Bibliograph

The economics anti-textbook, a critical thinker's guide to microeconomics, Rod Hill and Tony Myatt

Type

Label

The economics anti-textbook, a critical thinker's guide to microeconomics, Rod Hill and Tony Myatt

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The economics anti-textbook

Medium

electronic resource

Responsibility statement

Rod Hill and Tony Myatt

Sub title

a critical thinker's guide to microeconomics

Summary

This textbook argues that the highly proclaimed objectivity of mainstream economics is a myth - and not only dangerously misleading but also bland and boring. It challenges mainstream textbooks' assumptions, arguments, models and evidence and puts the controversy and excitement back into economics., Mainstream textbooks present economics as an objective science free from value judgements; that settles disputes by testing hypotheses; that applies a pre-determined body of principles; and contains policy prescriptions supported by a consensus of professional opinion. The Economics Anti-Textbook argues that this is a myth - one which is not only dangerously misleading but also bland and boring. It challenges 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 Economics Anti-Textbook's chapters parallel the major topics in the typical text, beginning 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 most economists are willing to let on

Target audience

specialized

Classification