Site MapHelpFeedbackQuestions from an Alternative Perspective
Questions from an Alternative Perspective
(See related pages)

  1. Is it possible to use objective economic analysis as a basis for government planning? (Austrian)

  2. In "Rational Choice with Passion: Virtue in a Model of Rational Addiction," Andrew M. Yuengert of Pepperdine University argues that there is a conflict between reason and passion.
    1. What might that conflict be?

    2. What implications does it have for applying the economic model? (Christian)

  3. Economic institutions are "habits of thought" that organize society.
    1. In what way might patriarchy be an institution and how might it influence the labor market?

    2. Does the free market or patriarchy better explain why 98 percent of secretaries are women and 98 percent of automobile mechanics are men? (Feminist)

  4. In October of 2004, the supply of flu vaccine fell by over 50 percent. The result was that the vaccine had to be rationed, with a priority schedule established: young children, people with weakened immunity, those over 65, etc., taking priority.
    1. Compare and contrast this allocation outcome with a free market outcome.

    2. Which alternative is more just? (Institutionalist)

  5. The textbook model assumes that individuals have enough knowledge to follow the economic decision rule.
    1. How did you decide what college you would attend?

    2. Did you have enough knowledge to follow the economic decision rule?

    3. What type of decisions do you not use the economic decision rule for?

    4. What are the implications for economic analysis if most people don't follow economic decision rule in many aspects of their decisions? (Post-Keynesian)

  6. Radical economists believe that all of economics, like all theorizing or story telling, is value-laden. Theories and stories reflect the values of those who compose them and tell them. For instance, Radicals offer a different analysis than most economists of how capitalism works and what ought to be done about its most plaguing problems: inequality, periodic economic crises with large-scale unemployment, and the alienation of the workers.
    1. What does the radical position imply about the distinction between positive economics and normative economics that the text makes?

    2. Is economics value-laden or objective and is the distinction between positive and normative economics tenable or untenable? (Radical)






To learn more about the book this website supports, please visit its Information Center.
(c)2006 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.


Colander MicroeconomicsOnline Learning Center with Powerweb

Home > Chapter 1 > Alt. Perspective Questions