The approach seemed explicitly chosen so as not to scare mathematically shy students and also to emphasize that economics is not an exact science of mathematical precision.
Instead, its arguments are presented through discursive reasoning relying on a variety
On the contrary, there are many analytically robust economic theories, though supported by different assumptions in particular on who are the dominant actors in the economy, how they set their goals and interact to meet them under social, politicalĮconomics: the User’s Guide is characterized by a conspicuous absence of algebraic formulae, equations, diagrams, figures and statistical tables. Perhaps its major contribution is to emphasize that there is no unique, intellectually correct, economic theory, applicable urbi et orbi. Through carefully sequenced chapters, spiced by illustrative quotes fromnovels, newspapers, speeches, movies and TV series, the User’s Guide exposesthe reader to economics’ fundamental concepts, actors, ideas and transformations.This exposition evidences that valuable conclusions on key real-life issues―concerning nations, firms, states, classes or individuals― can be drawn froma discursive application of alternative economic theories.Ĭombined with excellent narrative capacities, this comprehensive view of alternative economic theories plus attention to political and historical considerations, the User’s Guide is an important vehicle to discover Economics as a relevant, useful practice. With a unique mixture of recognition of the merits of alternative economic theories, reverence for historical facts, systematic reference to real-life numbers and an enviable sense of humor, Ha-Joon Chang manages to present economics as a user friendly, relevant and passionately exciting craft!
It comes to fill a void in the toolkit of any lecturer to college students and non professional audiences interested in economic development and policies.
Thanks! That’s the word that came to my mind when I finished reading this origi- nal, valuable text.
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