How to Argue with an Economist
Reopening Political Debate in Australia
Published on 20. June 2002
Book
Paperback/Softback
180 pages
978-0-521-52532-9 (ISBN)
Description
This fascinating book reflects on how economics has become central to our lives, and how the 'economic rationalist' perspective has become the lens through which all matters in Australian public life are viewed. It explains how this economic world view systematically overlooks important social issues and how it transforms Australian culture. How to Argue with an Economist invites a broad general audience into debates that were once reserved for experts. Lindy Edwards, a former economic adviser in the Prime Minister's Department, has a talent for expressing concepts simply. She distils economics' key ideas into a lively and enjoyable read, explaining how economists think and then how you can argue with them.
Reviews / Votes
'Refreshingly readable, original in approach, this book should be consumed by every political actor or student of politics or economics.' Diane Carlyle and Nick Walker, The Australian 'Yes! Finally, a book that slags - in a penetrating and accessible way - the stark edifice 'economic nationalism'. About time.' The AgeMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 215 mm
Width: 137 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
240 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-52532-9 (9780521525329)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Book
05/2007
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€54.90
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Lindy Edwards is in the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University. A former economic policy adviser in the Prime Minister's Department the Prime Minister and Cabinet and journalist in the Canberra Press Gallery, she understands how economics works from the inside.
Content
Part I. A Historical Juncture: 1. A political impasse; 2. A nation defining choice; 3. Economic rationalism's grip on power; Part II. Getting a Handle on Economics: 4. Is economics a science?; 5. Economics' key ideas; 6. Revealing economic rationalism's worldview; 7. Economic rationalists' view of human nature; 8. Economic rationalism's view of how society works; 9. Economic rationalists' view of the ideal society; 10. Economic policy and culture; Part III. How to argue with an economist: 11. How to Argue with an Economic Rationalist; 12. Reclaiming responsibility; 13. Arguing about economic efficiency; 14. Arguing about quality of life; 15. Arguing about justice; Part IV. Conclusion: 16. The way forward; 17. Making sure 'she'll be right'.