What Do Economists Contribute?

The title of this book raises a provocative question that should make all economists think. What is our raison d'etre ? Only a few economists have specifically addressed the issue. Several of the more challenging efforts are included here. Do economists have much influence on government policy, particularly over, say, five or ten years? Is that because they don't try hard enough or is it because politicians care more about the next election than about the opinion of economists? In this splendid collection, some published as long ago as the 1930s, nine great economists consider these questions. The editor's illuminating introduction sorts out the area of agreement and disagreement between them.

Pre-publication endorsements of hardcover

'The title of this book raises a provocative question that should make all economists think. What is our raison d'etre? Only a few economists have specifically addressed the issue. Several of the more challenging efforts are included here.' - James M. Buchanan, Professor of Economics, George Mason University

'Do economists have much influence on government policy, particularly over, say, 5 or 10 years? Probably not. Is that because they don't try hard enough or is it because politicians care more about the next election than about the opinion of economists? In this splendid collection, some published as long ago as the 1930s, nine great economists consider these questions. The editor's illuminating introduction sorts out the area of agreement and disagreement between them.' - Mark Blaug, Visiting Professor of Economics, University of Exeter

Reviews of Hardback

'[The book] contains outstanding essays from nine great economists of this century....the result is lively, informative, engaging discourse ....[The book] is highly recommended reading for lay readers as well as students of economics, and has a great deal of substansive value for even experienced, practicing economists.' - Reviewer's Bookwatch

'In What Do Economists Contribute? the writers try to explain just how economists contribute to the betterment of mankind. Although the title implies that the book is directed to studentsand intelligent laymen who would otherwise not know the answer, the book is aimed just as much at professional economists themselves. All three groups, especially undergraduates contemplating study in economics, will be fascinated and perhaps troubled by what they read.' - Philip R.Murray, Ideas on Liberty

RONALD H. COASE Nobel Prize in Economic Science, 1991 FRANK D. GRAHAM (1890-1949) Professor of Economics at Princeton University until his death in 1949 FRIEDRICH A. HAYEK (1899-1992) Nobel Prize in Economic Science, 1974. Professor at LSE, 1931-49. Author of The Road to Serfdom WILLIAM H. HUTT (b.1899) Professor of Economics at Capetown University and Texas, A & M. Author of Economists and the Public ISRAEL M. KIRZNER (b.1930) Professor of Economics at New York University since 1957 DEIRDRE N. MCCLOSKEY (b.1942) Professor of Economics and of History at the University of Iowa CLARENCE PHILBROOK (1909-78) was Professor of Economics at the University of North Carolina (1947-1975) THOMAS C. SCHELLING (b.1921) Professor of Economics at the University of Maryland and previously at Harvard GORDON TULLOCK Professor of Economics at the University of Arizona; editor of Public Choice for 25 years