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Theories of Learning and Economic Policy

Author

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  • George W. Evans

Abstract

The benchmark rational expectations (RE) assumption both assumes an unrealistic degree of rationality for economic agents and fails to address how agents would come to coordinate on an equilibrium. This essay reviews how theories of learning, and more specifically adaptive learning, address these issues and can lead to policy conclusions distinct from those obtained under RE. Applications discussed include monetary policy in New Keynesian models, the neo-Fisherian policy view, inflation targets, hyperinflation models, and macroeconomic policy to avoid stagnation at the zero lower bound. JEL classification: E62, E63, E52, D84, D83, E31, E32, E71

Suggested Citation

  • George W. Evans, 2021. "Theories of Learning and Economic Policy," Revue d'économie politique, Dalloz, vol. 131(3), pages 583-608.
  • Handle: RePEc:cai:repdal:redp_313_0265
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Learning; bounded rationality; expectational coordination; stability; monetary policy; fiscal policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • E63 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Comparative or Joint Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary Policy; Stabilization; Treasury Policy
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E71 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on the Macro Economy

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