Description
Book SynopsisIn The Delusions of Economics, Gilbert Rist presents a radical critique of neoclassical economics from a social and historical perspective. Rather than enter into existing debates between different orthodoxies, Rist instead explores the circumstances that prevailed when economics was 'invented', and the resultant biases that helped forge the construction of economics as a 'science'. In doing so, Rist demonstrates how these various presuppositions are either obsolete or just plain wrong, and that traditional economics is largely based on irrational convictions that are difficult to debunk due to their 'religious' nature. As a result, we are prevented from properly understanding the world around us and dealing with the financial, environmental, and climatic crises that lie ahead. Provocative and original, this essential book provides incontrovertible proof that the construction of a new economic paradigm - pluralistic, ecologically compatible, grounded in reality - has now become a necessity.
Trade ReviewThe book dispels the basic myths of economics and cleverly brings the reader to glimpse a new paradigm. * Aziz Fall, Relations, Montréal *
This is a work of sustained blasphemy. It lays bare the absurd assumptions of that lethal religion called 'mainstream economics'. Rist's book undermines the faith at the deepest level. True believers beware! * Edward Fullbrook, Editor of Real-World Economics Review *
With his new way of thinking of society, Rist makes us relive * from a different angle and in a different age *
The work remains a clear and useful antidote to mainstream economic thinking. * Gilles Raveaud, Alternatives économiques *
Drawing on a wealth of historical and anthropological evidence, Professor Rist brilliantly explains how mainstream economic doctrines * including the latest Green Economy initiative *
Gilbert Rist proposes a different way of conceiving of the economy and therefore society * L'Ecologiste *
A fine, extensive and accessible synthesis, which for that reason one can only hope will be widely read. * Le Portail francophone des sciences sociales *
Rist has put before us a very powerful critique of economics. ... This book is a great contribution to getting beyond the contemporary pseudo-religion of economics and warrants the widest audience and discussion. * Trent Schroyer, Ramapo College of New Jersey *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Economics between History and Anthropology 2. A Failed Scientific Ambition 3. Homo Oeconomicus: A Dangerous Phantom 4. Exchange 5. The Fairy Tale of Scarcity 6. Utility and Futility 7. Equilibrium 8. The Growth Obsession 9. Growth Objection 10. Economic 'Science' as Religion 11. Towards a New Paradigm? Conclusion
