Description
Book Synopsis'This wise and lucid guide to pluralism in economics embodies the values of its cause. Generous, open-minded, fair, accurate and accessible: John Harvey's new book is a fine achievement that every economics major should read.'- James K. Galbraith, The University of Texas at Austin, US
John Harvey's accessible book provides a non-technical yet rigorous introduction to various schools of thought in economics. Premised on the idea that economic thinking has been stunted by the almost complete rejection of anything outside the mainstream, the author hopes that this volume will open readers' minds and lead them in new and productive directions.
In his exploration of Neoclassical, Marxist, Austrian, Post Keynesian, Institutionalist, New Institutionalist and Feminist schools of thought, unique features of each approach are highlighted, complemented by discussions of methodology, world views, popular themes, and current activities. Accurate and impartial, every chapter covering a heterodox school of thought has been vetted by an acknowledged expert in that field.
Though written for use in undergraduate courses, this guide will no doubt offer a great deal to any scholar wishing to gain a fresh perspective and greater understanding of the variety and breadth of current economic thinking.
Trade ReviewFifty years ago I used Robert L. Heilbroner's
The Worldly Philosophers to get students excited about economics. Today I would use John T. Harvey's
Contending Perspectives in Economics. The book is beautifully written and full of insights into who economists are and why they think the way they do. --Paul D. Bush, California State University
Economics is a mess. Oppositional clans (''schools''), pseudo-science, corruption of various kinds and relentless disdain for the real-world predominate. If you are thinking of entering this war-zone, then reading John Harvey's Contending Perspectives in Economics is your best bet for retaining your intellectual health. --Edward Fullbrook, University of the West of England, UK
I just finished reading the book! I feel like I learned so much from it, and not just in terms of the information itself. As I read, it stimulated so much thought I found myself writing many pages on things I'd never even thought about! --Marcus Schiebold, Economics Undergraduate Student, University of North Texas
Table of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction 2. Economics as a scientific discipline 3. Neoclassical economics 4. Marxism 5. Austrian economics 6. Post Keynesian economics 7. Institutionalism 8. New Institutionalism 9. Feminist economics 10. Ecological Economics 11. Conclusions Index
