The Puzzle of Modern Economics: Science or Ideology? (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521532617)

Does economics hold the key to everything or does the recent financial crisis show that it has failed? This book provides an assessment of modern economics that cuts through the confusion and controversy on this question. Case studies of the creation of new markets, the Russian transition to capitalism, globalization, and money and finance establish that economics has been very successful where problems have been well defined and where the world can be changed to fit the theory, but that it has been less successful in tackling bigger problems. The book then offers a historical perspective on how economists have, since the Second World War, tried to make their subject scientific. It explores the evolving relationship between science and ideology and investigates the place of heterodoxy and dissent within the discipline. It is argued that, though there are problems with the discipline, economics is needed to combat the myths that abound concerning economic problems.

Author: Roger E. Backhouse
ISBN-10: 0521532612
ISBN-13: 9780521532617
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 06/21/2010
Pages: 214
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 0.60d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 11/01/2010