Eminent Economists: Their Life Philosophies - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521449871 ISBN 13: 9780521449878

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1993

Synopsis

An intimate view of the dominant economists of this century, scholars whose work changed the direction of the discipline, is presented in this volume. The contributors who come from quite divergent points of the ideological compass present their life philosophies and reflect on their conceptions of human nature, society, justice and the source of the creative impulse. The self-portraits reveal details of the economists' personal and professional lives that capture the significance of the total person. Moreover, they illuminate the product of their labor, and as such, they change one's notions of what an economist can do or be. An introduction by Michael Szenberg, editor-in-chief of The American Economist, makes career and philosophic pattern comparisons.

About this title

Book Description:

A group of prominent economists, whose work has changed the direction of the discipline in this century, present their life philosophies and reflect on their conceptions of human nature, society, justice and the source of the creative impulse.

Review:

"This book provides a rare opportunity to sit down with an Arrow, a Samuelson, or a Tinbergen and learn that there is more to economics (and economists) than the world of theorems and econometric models. Michael Szenberg is to be congratulated for making us privy to the life philosophies of twenty-two of the world's most eminent economists. This is recommended reading for economists of all ages; it should be required reading for those at early stages of their careers." Victor R. Fuchs, Stanford University

"Gems from this treasure chest include brief surveys of authors' major contributions; pleas for work which authors consider unjustly neglected by the profession; brief essays on methodology and on personal objectives; and autobiographical sketches including accounts of military service in World War I, high school in occupied France during World War II, and escape from Communist Romania. Eminent Economists: Their Life Philosophies should fascinate anyone interested in economics, autobiography or the creative process." Harry M. Markowitz, Baruch College, City University of New York

"Eminent Economists: Their Life Philosophies, edited by Michael Szenberg, contains revealing autobiographical essays by 22 excellent economists of the older generation, including representatives of the right like Karl Brunner and James Buchanan." David Warsh, The Boston Globe

"Michael Szenberg, is editor in chief of The American Economist, has edited a collection of essays that should stand as a permanent addition to economic literature. A very useful, thoughtful and sincere Introduction by the editor compares some of the thoughts and attitudes expressed concerning vision and technique. We have always stood on the shoulders of our intellectual forebears. Now we can do it more knowingly, confidently, and even, affectionately." The American Journal of Economics and Sociology

"This collection of essays by 22 prominent economists is distinctive....The economists exhibit impressive intellectual depth and breadth of knowledge." Library Journal

"Imagine sitting down on a one-to-one basis with each of twenty-two of the world's most eminent economists--including nine Nobel laureates--and listening as each one tells you his life philosophy. This collection of essays, masterfully edited by Michael Szenberg, along with an introduction, provides the closest alternative. What a colorful array of economists!...This book should serve as a source of study for economists who can pick up many ideas on research and methodology from today's economic masters. It should be required reading for all starting (and also many established) academicians who would obtain tips on teaching and other academic behavior. But because it is a compendium of essays by 'masters,' it contains a wealth of information that extends beyond economics....this book is also enjoyable reading....Professor Szenberg should be congratulated for this volume; it is priceless." Samuel Schwarz, Eastern Economic Journal

"...a treasure trove of 22 immensely enjoyable autobiographical essays....virtually all write in a lively, lucid, and reflective style free of technical jargoneering. Some of the essays are primarily fascinating life histories; and some are outright amusing. Few are pontifical. Almost every essay offers memorable anecdotes. In its own way, almost every essay is wise, absorbing, and entertaining." James W. Brock, Journal of Economic Issues

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0521449871
• ISBN 13: 9780521449878
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 324
• Editor: Szenberg Michael