The Spread of Economic Ideas

This book, first published in 1989, contains a spirited debate between eminent economists, journalists, and publishers about the spread of economic ideas.

David C. Colander (Edited by), Alfred William Coats (Edited by)

9780521362337, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 August 1989

282 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm, 0.55 kg

"Overall, the book is stimulating and worth reading....the editors deserve credit for stimulating a lively debate about current and future directions of the profession." Robert I. Lerman, Journal of Economic Literature

This book, first published in 1989, contains a spirited debate between eminent economists, journalists, and publishers about the spread of economic ideas. Using many of the same ideas as do the rhetorical and sociological philosophical schools, the contributors to this book discuss the spread of economic ideas in readily understandable English. The examination of the flow of ideas among economists and from economists to the public is followed by a discussion of the public policy use and abuse of these concepts. A final section provides insights into the funding of ideas and the incentives to make economics more relevant. The dialogue among the book's contributors provides both the lay reader and the interested professional with fascinating insights into what happens behind the scenes in academia, publishing, and journalism.

List of tables
List of figures
Preface
1. An introduction to the spread of economic ideas A. W. Coats and David C. Colander
Part I. From Economist to Economist: 2. The state of economics: hopeless but not serious? Robert W. Clower
3. The invisible hand of truth David C. Colander
4. Faith, hope, and clarity Robert M. Solow
5. How ideas spread among economists: examples from international economics Charles P. Kindleberger
6. Journals, university presses, and the spread of ideas Colin Day
Part II. From Economists to the Lay Public: 7. How economic ideas turn to mush Robert M. Solow
8. The development of the ideas: strategic trade policy and competitiveness David Warsh
9. Economics and the common reader Donald S. Lamm
Part III. From Economist to Policymaker: 10. Economic ideas and economists in government: accomplishments and frustrations A. W. Coats
11. The spread of economic ideas between academia and government: a two-way street William J. Barber
12. The exchange of favors in the market for commitments James K. Galbraith
13. How tax reform came about Joseph J. Minarik
Part IV. Funding the Spread of Economic Ideas: 14. Doing good and spreading the gospel (economic) Craufurd D. Goodwin
15. Think tanks and the politics of ideas James A. Smith
16. The role of the NSF in the spread of economic ideas Daniel H. Newlon
17. Money and the spread of ideas David C. Colander
18. Changing incentives to make economics more relevant Gordon Tullock
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Economic theory & philosophy [KCA]