2006 May 22nd, 10:13 PM
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#1 (permalink) |
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I JUST got here.
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 12
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How to determine schools philosophy in econ?
Hello folks,
I'm looking for a reference that gives a schools underlying econ philosophy. It seems that might would be useful before applying. For example, Chicago is obviously free-market oriented (monetarist?) and GMU is also free-market with some austrian leanings (not sure how strong that is, but it is a sub-specialty there). Is there a webpage or something that has this information? If not, can I get views on the following: Texas Duke UNC GMU Tenn Clemson UGA Florida FSU WVU Vanderbilt Virginia Washington (I'm generally interested in the south, but I currently live in WA, so might as well ask) Thanks... Howard note: I just submitted this but it seemed to fail, I hope there aren't two posts. |
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2006 May 22nd, 10:42 PM
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#3 (permalink) | |
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Eager!
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 55
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Quote:
Just kiddin'... Indeed I have no idea about these schools' political/philosophical views.
_ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _
UNC-CH Class of 2011 |
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2006 May 23rd, 12:13 AM
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#6 (permalink) | |
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Within my grasp!
 Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 146
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Quote:
This is something that many people outside of economics can't gasp. I once had a roommate who was a fresh transfer student majoring in political science. He immedeately declared that he has socialist views and that he favors "very big government". Then he eargerly proceeded to ask me: "So what are your views towards regulation?", like the economics can give you a straight answer on whether all regulation is good and bad. Free-market vs other school of thought is not really the question you should ask yourself. You should ask yourself what are the fields of economics that you're interested in and then see which schools have an active research group in that area. If you haven't decided yet, then you should apply to the larger departments which will offer you more possibilities than other schools. By the way, it is true that Monetarism is associated with Milton Friedman who is also a very prominent free-marketer. However, that doesn't imply that monetarism is about free markets in general. Monetarism a view within the macroeconomic theory and policy. But I can see why you'd ask this question. A lot of introductory macroeconomics textbooks talk only about Keynesian and Monetary economics leaving one with a feeling that those are still the prevailing theories in macroeconomics today. |
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2006 May 23rd, 12:21 AM
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#7 (permalink) |
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I JUST got here.
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 12
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Thank you, that is a good reply. I do understand studying econ isn't about pontificating on the virtues of the free-market etc...but if most professors at a particular college are neo-classical (if my limited understanding is correct this is some combination of Keynesian theory with classical) and I'm ardently austrian (I'm not but I'm trying to point out seeming opposites)...then it probably wouldn't be a great experience.
This may all be silly...but I won't know that until asking...  Howard |
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2006 May 23rd, 03:32 PM
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#8 (permalink) |
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Within my grasp!
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 269
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Howard, perhaps what you are seeking is the distinction between orthodox and unorthodox (heterodox?) approaches to economics. Most major economics departments are "orthodox" in the sense that they emphasize a theoretical approach involving "models" (not necessarily neoclassical) and lots of econometrics for empirical research.
Inside this approach you can find very nuanced political positions. Not for nothing exasperated politicians are always searching for the fabled "one-handed economist". Klop makes a very good point that, for each univ, you should check the research done in the areas you are interested.However, there are a few universities that clearly have a more sociological/political approach. I recall three: New School in NYC, American University and Notre Dame. However, this last one got tired of getting penalized in economics rankings and is changing its approach to a more conventional one. If you search the web for "heterodox economics" or "post-autistic economics", you'll find a lot more info. Hope this helps! |
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2006 May 23rd, 06:52 PM
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#9 (permalink) |
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Within my grasp!
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Greencastle, IN
Posts: 312
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The big distinction is, as Freethinker points out, between orthodox and heterodox schools. The vast majority of schools, including all or almost all of the top twenty schools teach economics in the same way, for the most part. These are the orthodox schools. To Freethinker's list of heterodox schools I would add GMU - they're extremely heterodox in their professors and teaching.
My professors advised me that I should apply only to orthodox schools. This isn't because the heterodox schools aren't good, or even that they aren't right in some things where the orthodox places are wrong. It's just that, after graduation, you'll be "marked" as a heterodox person, and that will greatly limit your options, at least in academia. Instead, they suggested, go to an orthodox school, and if you find yourself in sympathy with the heterodox opinions, you can go teach and do research at those schools. |
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