Table of Contents

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

Promotional Information

Daniel Klein is the co-author of "Curb Rights: A Foundation for Free Enterprise in Urban Transit", and editor of "Reputation: Studies in the Voluntary Elicitation of Good Conduct".

About the Author

DANIEL KLEIN is a Associate Professor of Economics at Santa Clara University. He discovered economics during high school through a friend who used economic principles to explain why school was so bad. Ever since, Klein has believed in the power of economics to interpret the world and to persuade people to see things differently. He teaches courses in economic principles, public policy issues, and game theory. He is the co-author of Curb Rights: A Foundation for Free Enterprise in Urban Transit, and editor of Reputation: Studies in the Voluntary Elicitation of Good Conduct.

Reviews

'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.' - James M. Buchanan, Professor of Economics, George Mason University - 'Do economists have much influence on government policy, particulary over, say, 5 or 10 years? Probably not. Is that because they don't try hard enough or is it because politicians care more about the next election that about the opinion of economicsts? 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 eare of agreement and disagreement between them' - Mark Blaugh, Visiting Professor of Economics, University of Exeter