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The MONIAC, Modeling, and Macroeconomics

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  • David Colander

Abstract

Models can have pedagogical, scientific, policy, exploratory, and metaphoric uses, among many other possible uses. The uses overlap, and when thinking about the usefulness of models it is necessary to be clear about the use to which the model is being put. One can define usefulness of a model only in relations to its intended use. This paper argues that Phillips' intended use of his MONIAC was pedagogical, and used as «a» model, it can serve a useful pedagogical purpose. But it cannot serve as «the» model for framing policy since it does not capture the complexities of non-linear dynamics that can affect the aggregate economy. It argues (1) that Keynes understood this distinction, but that the distinction was lost by later economists, and that it needs to be rediscovered and (2) that the profession should train economists to specialize in developing, interpreting, teaching, and applying models to policy.
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Suggested Citation

  • David Colander, 2011. "The MONIAC, Modeling, and Macroeconomics," ASSRU Discussion Papers 1104, ASSRU - Algorithmic Social Science Research Unit.
    • Handle: RePEc:trn:utwpas:1104
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    File URL: http://www.assru.economia.unitn.it/files/DP_04_2011.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. K. Vela Velupillai, 2005. "The unreasonable ineffectiveness of mathematics in economics," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 29(6), pages 849-872, November.
    2. Michael Woodford, 2009. "Convergence in Macroeconomics: Elements of the New Synthesis," American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 1(1), pages 267-279, January.
    3. David Colander, 2011. "The MONIAC, Modeling, and Macroeconomics," Economia politica, Società editrice il Mulino, issue 1, pages 63-82.
    4. David Colander, 2005. "What Economists Teach and What Economists Do," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(3), pages 249-260, July.
    5. David C. Colander & Robert S. Guthrie, 1981. "Great Expectations: What the Dickens Do "Rational Expectations" Mean?," Journal of Post Keynesian Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 3(2), pages 219-234, January.
    6. Colander, David, 1984. "Was Keynes a Keynesian or a Lernerian?," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 22(4), pages 1572-1575, December.
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    1. David Colander, 2011. "The MONIAC, Modeling, and Macroeconomics," Economia politica, Società editrice il Mulino, issue 1, pages 63-82.

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    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • B12 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Classical (includes Adam Smith)

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