Quit lying and address the controversies: there are no dogmata, laws, rules or standards in the science of economics

Becker, William E. (2007): Quit lying and address the controversies: there are no dogmata, laws, rules or standards in the science of economics. Published in: American Economist , Vol. 51, No. 1 (2007): pp. 3-14.

Abstract

As with other sciences, the author argues that there are no unquestionable ideas in economics, and attempts to impose "No Child Left Behind" K-12 type "technical standards" in universities will turn higher education in economics into remedial education. Students need to learn that the very nature of a science is to have unresolved topics and an on-going scrutiny of theories no matter how steeped they are in tradition. He provides examples to show how the dumbing down of economics to the dogmatic preaching of a few simple concepts, principles, and axioms of old misses the excitement of modern day economics and is a deceitful representation of the science of economics and a disservice to students seeking a higher education.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: teaching economics; economics education
• Subjects: A - General Economics and Teaching > A2 - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics

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