E-Book Overview
This book develops effective critiques of neoclassical economics and focuses on the importance of criticism as a tool for enhancing understanding. Lawrence Boland examines the foundations of neoclassical theory, beginning with what Alfred Marshall called the ``Principles of Economics.'' He highlights the problems of effective model building while avoiding the frequently criticized assumption of maximizing behavior. The book contributes to making neoclassical economics more realistic with an honest, constructive critique of its principles.
E-Book Content
The principles of economics Some lies my teachers told me Lawrence A. Boland, F.R.S.C. Simon Fraser University ROUTLEDGE London and New York To Irene First published 1992 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001 1992 Lawrence A. Boland eBook version created at Simon Fraser University 2002 Lawrence A. Boland All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photcopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the Library of Congress ISBN 0-415-06433-3 (hbk) ISBN 0-415-13208-8 (pbk) LAWRENCE A. BOLAND LAWRENCE A. BOLAND Contents Preface Acknowledgements Understanding neoclassical economics through criticism Necessary vs sufficient reasons Explaining vs explaining away Internal vs external