Description
Book SynopsisThe economics profession has become a favourite punching bag in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Economists are widely reviled and their influence derided by the general public. Yet their services have never been in greater demand. To unravel the paradox, we need to understand both the strengths and weaknesses of economics. Dani Rodrik argues that the multiplicity of theoretical frameworks - what economists call ''models'' that exist side by side is economics'' great strength. Economists are trained to hold diverse, possibly contradictory models of the world in their minds. This is what allows them, when they do their job right, to comprehend the world, make useful suggestions for improving it, and to advance their stock of knowledge over time. In short, it is what makes economics a ''science'' a different kind of science from physics or some other natural sciences, but a science nonetheless. But syncretism is not a comfortable state of mind, and economists often jettison
Trade ReviewDani Rodrik ... provides an edifying discussion of these basic tools, of the economist's trade [economic models] * Ben Chu, Books of the Year 2015, Independent *
one of the world's most perceptive policy analysts * Martin Wolf, Books of the Year 2015: Best Books 2015 Economics, Financial Times *
Rodriks central message is that economics is a collection of models with which to see the world ... The challenge is to choose which model applies to the situation at hand. This choice requires theoretical open-mindedness and empirical investigation and is, as Rodrik succinctly puts it, a craft not a science. That idea that good economics is about good craftsmanship as much as anything else is a hugely valuable contribution. Rodrik is well placed to make these arguments because he is himself a master craftsman. * Martin Sandbu, The Financial Times *
I hope open-minded critics of economics will read Economics Rules to learn how the best of economists approach the subject, and how important their work is * The Enlightened Economist, Diane Coyle *
terrific * The Enlightened Economist, Diane Coyle *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Use and Misuse of Economic Ideas 1: What Models Do 2: The Science of Economic Modeling 3: Navigating among Models 4: Models and Theories 5: When Economists Go Wrong 6: Economics and Its Critics Epilogue: The Twenty Commandments
