Errors in Economics and Their Consequences.

Part of a special issue on the consequences of errors in the social and natural sciences. Errors made in the field of economics and the implications of such blunders are discussed. In particular, two errors that are critical for policymaking are examined: the belief that a budget deficit will be...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Social Research Vol. 72; no. 1; pp. 169 - 195
Main Author: Baumol, William J.
Format: Article
Published: New School for Social Research Spring 2005
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Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary:Part of a special issue on the consequences of errors in the social and natural sciences. Errors made in the field of economics and the implications of such blunders are discussed. In particular, two errors that are critical for policymaking are examined: the belief that a budget deficit will be a burden for future generations; and the notion that society will eventually be unable to finance the rising costs of health care and education, so cutbacks to these services are therefore necessary.