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Introduction

In: Great Economists and the Evolution of Economic Liberalism

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  • Peter de Haan

Abstract

This chapter deals with the question whether economics is a science, or not? Most economists presented in this chapter respond that economics is partly ideological in content but also partly scientific. As Joan Robinson observed, economics is partly a vehicle for the ruling ideology and partly a method of scientific investigation. Scarcity shines through in most definitions of the subject. According to Lionel Robbins, economics is the science which studies human behaviour as a relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses. The relationship between philosophy and economics and how it evolved is also presented. A cross-fertilization between them is taking place. Liberalism greatly influenced economists from Adam Smith onwards. Not all great economists took positive inspiration from liberalism; some of them were not so positive about it. The economists presented in this book are all game-changers, as they did not just change the way economics can be perceived, they also presented proposals to achieve a more prosperous, just, and equitable world.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter de Haan, 2025. "Introduction," Springer Books, in: Great Economists and the Evolution of Economic Liberalism, chapter 0, pages 1-8, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-93831-3_1
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-93831-3_1
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