Description
Book SynopsisWith the restoration of
laissez faire as the governing principle of contemporary economic ideology and policy making, Thorstein Veblen's insights are once again timely. This book revisits his legacy, featuring original essays by renowned Veblen scholars.
The contributors review and comment upon the subjects that concerned Veblen such as: the legal system, finance and capital, the operation of markets, neoclassical economics, private property, cultural and economic change, the place of science, and higher education. They consider how his evolutionary theory of the economy and society can continue to inform our understanding of our modern world. As an astute and highly capable observer, Veblen shed light on our present system through a re-examination of a similar system.
Students and scholars of economics will find this provocative book of great interest. It will also be a refreshing discussion for those frustrated by the gap between the rosy scenarios of conventional economics and the problems of inequality, conspicuous consumption, concentrated economic power and unresponsive government.
Trade Review'The volume offers many interesting hints on which the reader may have cause to reflect.' -- Tiziana Foresti, History of Economic Ideas
Table of ContentsContents: Introduction 1. The Place of Science in Society: Progress, Pragmatism, Pluralism Anne Mayhew 2. Thorstein Veblen on the Origins and Meaning of Private Property Robert E. Prasch 3. Capital and the Modern Corporation Eric Hake 4. Pecuniary Institutions: Their Role and Effects Glen Atkinson 5. Veblen’s Missing Theory of Markets and Exchange, or can you have an Economic Theory Without a Theory of Market Exchange? William T. Waller 6. Some Myths of Veblenian Institutionalism Geoffrey M. Hodgson 7. Veblen: Economics Raised to the Cultural Level David Hamilton 8. Veblen on Higher Education Anne Mayhew 9. Thorstein Veblen and the Sabotage of Democracy Sidney Plotkin 10. Getting to the Good Life: Agents of Change Janet T. Knoedler Index
