What Do Economists Contribute?

The title of this book raises a provocative question that should make all economists think. What is our raison d'etre ? Only a few economists have specifically addressed the issue. Several of the more challenging efforts are included here. Do economists have much influence on government policy, particularly over, say, five or ten years? Is that because they don't try hard enough or is it because politicians care more about the next election than about the opinion of economists? In this splendid collection, some published as long ago as the 1930s, nine great economists consider these questions. The editor's illuminating introduction sorts out the area of agreement and disagreement between them. Inhaltsverzeichnis Editor's Introduction Bibliography Biographies of Contributors On the Role of Values in the Work of Economists; F.D.Graham Economists and Public Policy; R.Coase On the Decline of Authority of Economists; W.H.Hutt 'Realism' in Policy Espousal; C.Philbrook How to Do Well While Doing Good!; G.Gordon The Common Weal and Economic Stories; D.N.McCloskey What Do Economists Know?; T.C.Schelling Economists and the Correction of Error; I.M.Kirzner On Being an Economist; F.A.Hayek