E-Book Overview
Mainstream textbooks present economics as an objective science free from value judgements; that settles disputes relatively easily by testing hypotheses; that applies a settled body of principles; and contains policy prescriptions supported by a consensus of professional opinion. The Anti-Textbook argues that this is a myth - one which is not only dangerously misleading but also bland and boring. zchallenges the mainstream textbooks' assumptions, arguments, models and evidence. It puts the controversy and excitement back into economics to reveal a fascinating and a vibrant field of study - one which is more an 'art of persuasion' than it is a science. The Anti-Textbook's chapters parallel the major topics in the typical text. They begin with a boiled-down account of them before presenting an analysis and critique. Drawing on the work of leading economists, the Anti-Textbook lays bare the blind spots in the texts and their sins of omission and commission. It shows where hidden value judgements are made and when contrary evidence is ignored. It shows the claims made without any evidence and the alternative theories that aren't mentioned. It shows the importance of power, social context, and legal framework. The Economics Anti-Textbook is the students' guide to decoding the textbooks and shows how real economics is much more interesting than they let on.
E-Book Content
About the authors Rod Hill grew up in Ontario, was educated at the University of Toronto, the University of Stockholm and the University of Western Ontario, where he obtained a PhD in economics. He has taught at the University of Windsor, the University of Regina and the University of New Brunswick, where he has been a professor of economics since 2003. His research interests have included international trade policy, taxation and the underground economy, and (as a result of growing dissatisfaction) the content of the introductory textbooks. He is a research associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and a member of Economists for Peace and Security and the Progressive Economics Forum. Tony Myatt received his PhD from McMaster University with distinction in theory. He has taught at McMaster University, the University of Western Ontario, the University of Toronto and the University of New Brunswick, where he has been professor of economics since 1992. His research interests have included the supply-side effects of interest rates, labour market discrimination, unemployment rate disparities, and the methods and content of economic education. He has developed several different introductory courses as vehicles for teaching principles of economics, including ‘Economics of everyday life’, ‘Economics in the real world’ and ‘Eco nomics through film’. Professor Myatt was the recipient of UNB’s Arts Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2008. The economics anti-textbook A critical thinker’s guide to microeconomics Rod Hill and Tony Myatt Fernwood Publishing halifax | winnipeg Zed Books london | new york The Economics Anti-textbook: A critical thinker’s guide to microeconomics was first published in 2010 Published in Canada by Fernwood Publishing Ltd, 32 Oceanvista Lane, Black Point, Nova Scotia b0j 1b0 Published in the rest of the world by Zed Books Ltd, 7 Cynthia Street, London n1 9jf, uk and Room 400, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, ny 10010, usa Copyright © Rod Hill and Tony Myatt 2010 The rights of Rod Hill and Tony Myatt to be identified as the authors of this work have been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988 Designed and set by Ewan Smith, London Index Cover designed by David Bradshaw Printed and bound in Great Britain by the MPG Books Group Distributed in the usa exclusively by