Economic Concepts for the Social Sciences

This book accessibly surveys the conceptual advances in economics for a broad social sciences audience.

Todd Sandler (Author)

9780521792622, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 October 2001

300 pages, 14 b/w illus. 1 table
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.54 kg

"Sandler provides a technical yet readable guide for noneconomists, although the stylized stories receive more space than the real world applications.... Sandler's approach is balanced, including a less-than-optimistic appraisal of the future impact of economic theory in which he specializes." Choice

The primary purpose of this book is to present some of the key economic concepts that have guided economic thinking in the last century and to identify which of these concepts will continue to direct economic thought in the coming decades. This book is written in an accessible manner and is intended for a wide audience with little or no formal training in economics. It should also interest economists who want to reflect on the direction of the discipline and to learn concepts and achievements in other subfields. The author imparts his enthusiasm for the economic way of reasoning and its wide applicability. Through the abundant use of illustrations and examples, the author makes concepts understandable and relevant. Topics covered include game theory, the new institutional economics, market failures, asymmetric information, endogenous growth theory, general equilibrium, rational expectations, and others.

1. Economics without apology
2. Back to the future
3. In another's shoes: games, strategies, and economics
4. It takes two or more: public economics and collective action
5. Government for the politician? Public and social choice
6. Institutions matter: the new institutional economics
7. Knowledge is power: the new institutional economics
8. Everything ties together: general equilibrium
9. Laboratory economics: of rats and men
10. Before yesterday and beyond tomorrow: intergenerational economics
11. Fish, space, and spaceship earth: bioeconomics and interdisciplinary economics
12. Crystal ball economics: rational expectations
13. How do we get there from here?: transitional economies and policy reforms
14. Economic growth: endogeneity, institutions and other concepts
15. Economic visions for future horizons.

Subject Areas: Game theory [PBUD], Political economy [KCP], Economic theory & philosophy [KCA], Political science & theory [JPA], Social theory [JHBA], Sociology & anthropology [JH], Social & political philosophy [HPS]