ABSTRACT

Foundations of Economics breathes life into the discipline by linking key economic concepts with wider debates and issues. By bringing to light delightful mind-teasers, philosophical questions and intriguing politics in mainstream economics, it promises to enliven an otherwise dry course whilst inspiring students to do well.
The book covers all the main economic concepts and addresses in detail three main areas:
* consumption and choice
* production and markets
* government and the State.
Each is discussed in terms of what the conventional textbook says, how these ideas developed in historical and philosophical terms and whether or not they make sense. Assumptions about economics as a discipline are challenged, and several pertinent students' anxieties ('Should I be studying economics?') are discussed.

chapter 1|38 pages

Introduction

part |2 pages

Part one Consumption choices

chapter 3|18 pages

History of textbook models

The roots of utility maximisation

part |2 pages

Part two Production and markets

chapter 6|17 pages

History of textbook models

The intellectual road to perfect competition

part |2 pages

Part three Markets, the State and the Good Society

chapter 9|32 pages

History of textbook models: the concept of a legitimate State in economics —origins, the dead-end and two escape routes

The concept of a legitimate State in economics: origins, the dead-end and two escape routes

chapter 10|43 pages

Critique: can a capitalist society be good?

chapter 11|19 pages

Does economic theory matter?

chapter 12|24 pages

The curse of economics

chapter |4 pages

Further reading