Description
That problem is that economists generally think of applied policy analysis as applied science. Colander argues that using a scientific methodology to guide applied policy undermines good policy analysis. Instead, he contends that economists should use a much looser engineering methodology that blends science, heuristics, inescapable moral judgments, and creativity into what he calls the art and craft of economics. Here, Huei-chun Su has selected seventeen of Colander's articles that spell out and capture his arguments at various levels - some formal academic articles dealing with cutting edge methodology, and some more popular articles making the case for his approach. An original introduction and annotated bibliography serve as excellent resources for further exploring his arguments.
Clear, well-structured, and written in plain English with little jargon, the book is approachable and suitable for anyone interested in the current and future state of economics and the economics profession. This includes students at any level as well as methodologists, applied economists, historians and critics of modern economics.
About the Author
David C. Colander, Distinguished College Professor, Middlebury College, US and Huei-chun Su, Institute for New Economic Thinking, University of Oxford, UK
Reviews
'How Economics Should Be Done is an excellent book that discusses the methodological approaches of economics and economic policy.. . . The text demonstrates how a better understanding of the methodological framework used in economics and the economic profession can help the reader to have a better insight into the ways that real-world problems can be better approached and investigated.'
--Economic Issues
Book Information
ISBN 9781786435897
Author David C. Colander
Format Hardback
Page Count 296
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
