Bookcover: Economics: From the Dismal Science to the Moral Science

Economics: From the Dismal Science to the Moral Science

Subject: Economics

January, 2015

Published

268

Pages

$19.95

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About Dadres et al.'s Economics

Adam Smith published The Theory of Moral Sentiments in 1759 and established the ethical foundation for The Wealth of Nations (1776) as well as the important role played by custom and fashion in shaping behaviors and outcomes. Kendall P. Cochran believed in Smith’s emphasis on value-driven analysis and seeking solutions to major problems of the day. Cochran believed that economists moved too far in the direction of analysis free of words like ought and should, and he devoted his career to establishing that economics is a moral science.

Cochran’s articles collected herein argue persuasively that economists have a moral obligation to provide policy recommendations that are consistent with a social agenda of fairness and opportunity. While many agree with Adam Smith that individuals are motivated by self-interest, it does not follow that any action or policy that promotes an individual’s self-interest is therefore worthwhile or beneficial from society’s perspective. Cochran makes an eloquent case that economists must identify instances in which government policy can and should be used to protect and promote society’s well-being.

About the Editor

SUSAN L. McHARGUE DADRES is Senior Lecturer in Economics at University of North Texas. MONA S. HERSH-COCHRAN is Emerita Professor at Texas Woman’s University. DAVID J. MOLINA is Associate Professor of Economics at University of North Texas.

More from Susan L. McHargue

KENDALL P. COCHRAN served as Chair and Professor of Economics at the University of North Texas. SUSAN L. McHARGUE DADRES is Senior Lecturer in Economics at University of North Texas. MONA S. HERSH-COCHRAN is Emerita Professor at Texas Woman’s University. DAVID J. MOLINA is Associate Professor of Economics at University of North Texas.

More from Mona S. Hersh-Cochran

KENDALL P. COCHRAN served as Chair and Professor of Economics at the University of North Texas. SUSAN L. McHARGUE DADRES is Senior Lecturer in Economics at University of North Texas. MONA S. HERSH-COCHRAN is Emerita Professor at Texas Woman’s University. DAVID J. MOLINA is Associate Professor of Economics at University of North Texas.

More from David J. Molina