How to Argue with an Economist

This fascinating book reflects on how economics has become central to our lives, and how the ‘economic rationalist’ perspective has become the lens through which all matters in Australian public life are viewed. It explains how this economic world view systematically overlooks important social issues and how it transforms Australian culture. How to Argue with an Economist invites a broad general audience into debates that were once reserved for experts. Lindy Edwards, a former economic adviser in the Prime Minister’s Department, has a talent for expressing concepts simply. She distils economics’ key ideas into a lively and enjoyable read, explaining how economists think and then how you can argue with them.

Spis treści:
Part I. A Historical Juncture
1. A political impasse
2. A nation defining choice
3. Economic rationalisms grip on power
Part II. Getting a Handle on Economics
4. Is economics a science?
5. Economics key ideas
6. Revealing economic rationalisms worldview
7. Economic rationalists view of human nature
8. Economic rationalisms view of how society works
9. Economic rationalists view of the ideal society
10. Economic policy and culture
Part III. How to argue with an economist
11. How to Argue with an Economic Rationalist
12. Reclaiming responsibility
13. Arguing about economic efficiency
14. Arguing about quality of life
15. Arguing about justice
Part IV. Conclusion
16. The way forward
17. Making sure shell be right.