The Boundaries of Technique
Ordering Positive and Normative Concerns in Economic Research
Published on 22. June 2004
Book
Hardback
152 pages
978-0-7391-0706-5 (ISBN)
Description
In this engaging and thought-provoking new work, Andrew Yuengert uses the moral philosophy of Thomas Aquinas to offer a fresh perspective on the sharp distinctions currently drawn between economics and ethics. In contract to modern philosophical approaches, which focus on the contrast between is and ought statements, a Thomistic analysis begins with the actions of economic researchers. This approach reconciles two popular extreme positions: economics as ethical at every turn, and economics as morally neutral. Exploring recent controversies over the role of ethics in economics, The Boundaries of Technique encourages scholars and students to discover and debate the ways in which economics is insulated from ethics, and the ways in which it is dependent upon it. Ultimately, by bringing readers to a deeper awareness of the intrinsic involvement of the individual and the responsibility of moral choice, Yuengert makes an invaluable contriubtion to the study and practice of economics.
Reviews / Votes
Draws on the acount of human action in the works of Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle to present an account of economics as purposive, human enterprise and to offer a framework within which to think about the role of ethics in economics. * Journal of Economic Literature * This book should be read by all economists, but especially Christian economists, for whom values are of vital concern. If you have the time to read one book outside of technical economics, I strongly urge you to read this one. * Faith and Economics * This extensively documented book makes the case that economics and ethics are meaningfully related. . . .Because most other books on economic methodology do not integrate philosophy and religious thought, this book occupies a unique niche in the field. Highly recommended. * CHOICE *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Product notice
Laminated cover
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 154 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight
345 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7391-0706-5 (9780739107065)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Andrew Yuengert is the John and Francis Duggan professor of Economics at Seaver College, Pepperdine University.
Content
Chapter 1 What Does Ethics Have to Do With Economics? Chapter 2 Why Did the Economist Cross the Road? Morality and Rationality in Thomistic Moral Philosophy Chapter 3 Multiple Ends and Their Order Chapter 4 The Ends of Economics in Hierarchical Context Chapter 5 Aquinas in the Marketplace of Ideas Chapter 6 Consequences of the Modern Separation of Technique from Prudence Chapter 7 When is Economics not Technical? Chapter 8 What Then Should Economists Do?