Economic concepts and techniques are communicated through a series of “big questions,” models that show how to present questions rigorously and work toward an answer.
Lectures on Microeconomics (PDF) assists readers to master economic concepts and techniques by tackling basic economic and political questions through a series of models. It is structured around a sequence of “big questions,” among them:
Do markets change people, and, if so, for better or worse? Why is there so much income inequity? Or is there too little? Translated into the language of modern economics, do Marx’s ideas have weight? When do markets help translate individuals’ uncoordinated, selfish actions into outcomes that are best for all?
The arguments are in the theorem-proof format, differentiating results derived in the context of completely specified models from educated speculation. Readers will learn how to present a question carefully and how to work toward an answer, and to understand that even (especially!) the broadest and most determined questions call for a model. The goal of the ebook is not to indoctrinate but to show readers how to reason toward their own deductions.
The first chapter, on the Walrasian model of general equilibrium, works as the prerequisite for the rest of the ebook. The rest of the chapters cover less conventional topics, including the morality of markets; matching theory; Marxism, a formalization of Kant’s categorical imperative; unintended consequences of policy design; socialism, and the resilience of markets; and theories of justice. The ebook can be used as a textbook for advanced undergraduate or graduate students or as a source for researchers in disciplines that draw on normative economics.
Review
“A good economics textbook―of which there are numerous―stimulates students to embrace powerful, compelling ideas that permanently hone their intellectual vision. A remarkable economics textbook―which you might be holding in your hand―also does the same for the instructor. No matter how many times you’ve taught this material, this ebook will widen and deepen your understanding. Your students are about to be launched on a great journey of intellectual discovery. Prepare to go along for the journey.” ― Steven Landsburg, Professor of Economics, University of Rochester; author of Can You Outsmart an Economist?
NOTE: The product only includes the ebook Lectures on Microeconomics: The Big Questions Approach in PDF. No access codes are included.
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