Economics and Ethics: An Introduction to Theory, Institutions, and Policy

by Douglas Vickers

Overview

Noted economist Douglas Vickers reexamines the relationship between economics and moral philosophy. That relationship, once very strong, is again the subject of increasing attention and discussion both within and beyond the academy. Vickers reestablishes the substantial bridges between ethical philosophy and economics. He addresses three main issues: first, the historical means by which economics has consciously surrendered its original association with ethical categories and criteria; second, the need to articulate the appropriate thoughtforms and vocabulary of ethical theory; and third, the illustration of areas in economics where ethical awareness is desirable and should be allowed to exert influence. This work is a major analysis which will be of considerable interest to economists, the business community, government regulators, and all concerned with economic decisionmaking in modern society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275959791
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/16/1997
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	1500L (what's this?)

About the Author

DOUGLAS VICKERS, Professor Emeritus of Economics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, has held positions with universities in the United States and Australia and has served with the National Bank of Australasia and Vauxhall Motors Ltd. Among his fourteen earlier books are The Tyranny of the Market and Money Capital in the Theory of the Firm.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Economics in Ethical Perspective
The Status of Economic and Ethical Theory
Economics and the Dissolution of the Ethical Ideal
Ethics and Ethical Judgments
Economics as Value-Free
Issues in Economic and Ethical Analysis
The Economics and Ethics of Market Supply
Utilitarianism and Market Demand
Ethics and Economic Distribution
Macroeconomics and Macromorality
References
Index