Description
Book SynopsisThis book is concerned with the role of economic philosophy ('ideas') in the processes of belief-formation and social change. Its aim is to further our understanding of the behaviour of the individual economic agent by bringing to light and examining the function of non-rational dispositions and motivations ('passions') in the determination of the agent's beliefs and goals.
Trade Review"Fonseca's thesis is argued convincingly with a rich mixture of philosophy and economics blended into a very readable account suitable for both undergraduate and gradutate students." Choice
"...Eduardo Giannetti Da Fonseca presents a provocative and detailed examination of Keynes's claim and, in the process, brings to light a view of the complexity of human nature and an enhanced picture of the growth of knowledge...eliefs in Action is an engaging book. It starts with the idea embraced by many economists that beliefs govern social action, examines that idea from varied perspectives, and ultimately argues that economists are not as influential as they might think. In essence, Da Fonseca challenges his readers at the same time he educates them about views of human nature and the growth of knowledge." Journal of Economic Issues
"...a work of considerable merit." James R. Wible, History of Political Economy
Table of ContentsPart I. The War of Ideas; 1. From Hume to Hayek; 2. The scientific challenge to economic philosophy I; 3. The scientific challenge to economic philosophy, II; 4. Economic man and man-machine; 5. The logic of the economic situation; 6. The passions of the imagination I; 7. The passions of the imagination II; Conclusion to part I; Part II. Patterns of misunderstanding; 8. Understanding misunderstandings; 9. Contracts and traps; 10. On the misuse of language; 11. Errors and illusions; 12. The protection of belief; 13. On misunderstanding Malthus; 14. Ideas into politics I; 15. Ideas into politics II; Conclusion to part II; Notes, Bibliography; Index.
