The Past as a Public Good
Abstract
At least since Adam Smith’s time, economists have acknowledged the benefits associated with specialization within the academy and within economics. Not withstanding this appreciation, they fail to appreciate the benefits associated with knowing their past. The costs of walking away from that past in economics have been substantial and have been substantially underappreciated. This paper makes a case for studying, learning and teaching our past in economics, for reuniting economics with its more literary, historical and philosophical roots. It makes the case for specialization and then trade—trade amongst economists and amongst disciplines.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-20-2012
Recommended Citation
Peart, S.J. The Past as a Public Good. Soc 49, 240–246 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12115-012-9537-9