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September 21, 2005
Econoblogging on economic literacy
The latest Wall Street Journal Econoblog is up. I had the pleasure of discussing economic literacy with Russell Roberts of George Mason University who co-blogs over at Cafe Hayek with his GMU colleague Don Boudreaux. We had a very stimulating discussion on the causes and consequences of the lack of economic understanding in the public and the media. I hope you enjoy reading it and trust that it will spark some further discussion.
Let me also take this opportunity to publicly thank Professor Roberts for such engaging conversation. And let me also welcome any new readers who have found their way here from the Econoblog site. Glad to have you along for the ride.
Posted by William Polley at September 21, 2005 4:02 PM
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» GETTING STARTED IN ECONOMICS. from Cold Spring Shops
The Wall Street Journal's Wednesday Free Feature (hie thee hence before it goes behind the fence) features a conversation between Company Mail sources Russell Roberts of Cafe Hayek and William J. Polley of Western Illinois. I like what I'm reading. [Read More]
Tracked on September 21, 2005 5:59 PM
» Learning microeconomics is very worthwhile for most everyone from www.productivityshock.com
Did GMU professor Russ Roberts really mean to say that understanding economics isn't a particularly useful investment of time and energy for most people, or did he mean to say "macroeconomics" instead of "economics"? I hope it's the latter. [Read More]
Tracked on September 21, 2005 10:30 PM
Comments
Very nice discussion.
I think one of the key elements of blogs are the comments. I always appreciate your comments and answers!
I understand why Cafe Hayek doesn't have comments, but I think they are missing out (even though the criticism will be severe on some of their posts). How can we expect "economic literacy" if economists won't (can't?) explain some of their logic?
Once again, nice discussion.
Best Wishes!
Posted by: CalculatedRisk at September 21, 2005 7:52 PM
Professor Polley
I read your discussion with Russell Roberts in the WSJ and was most impressed, especially your comments on Adam Smith.
On my web site: www.adamsmithslostlegacy.com you wiull find some comments I have made, as well as a possible nomination for September's 'Lost Legacy' prize for sensible economic commentaries.
The prize is purely nominal but your discussion stands out in the usual dross I see pertaining to Adam Smith.
Kind regards
Gavin Kennedy (Prof)
Posted by: Gavin Kennedy at September 22, 2005 9:02 AM
And it's very nice to be here, thanks so much!
Seriously, the WSJ has done a real public service by posting your discussion with Prof. Roberts on-line, so that those of us who are minimally economically literate will have some place to check back as our understanding of the science of human action develops further...
Posted by: Ted Seay at September 22, 2005 9:45 AM
It is my first time reading this, and I must say that I am highly impressed. This is a continuous economic rant I have. It seems like the public knows more about Britney Spears' love life than about the basic principles that drive their everyday life.
Now if I could only get my boss to figure out that economics isn't the same as accounting... :)
Posted by: Kelly Diiro at September 22, 2005 12:51 PM
And hey! Who is that guy in the suit and tie? That is a long way from the photo at the "economic geyser" in Yellowstone!
Once again, great econoblog.
Best Wishes.
Posted by: CalculatedRisk at September 22, 2005 2:23 PM