Economic Analysis, Moral Philosophy, and Public Policy

Advance praise: 'The new edition of the book by Hausman, McPherson, and Satz is a rich and needed reading of economic analysis from the viewpoint of moral philosophy. Economists, if they reflect on these issues at all, think of their work as akin to physics; we find the pre-existing laws which govern the economic world. They can be considered simply as factual relations interesting in their own right; they can be used, as electricity, to serve human ends. What the authors demonstrate by detailed examination is that the analysis itself is shot through with normative and philosophical considerations. Any thoughtful reader will find his or her presuppositions challenged.' Kenneth J. Arrow, Stanford University Advance praise: 'It is a tragedy that mainstream economists have mostly lost touch with philosophy, and with the ethical basis for what they do. This book is the perfect way to make repairs and to catch up. It should be read by all economists, and required reading for those who make policy recommendations.' Sir Angus Deaton, FBA, Princeton University, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and Winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences Advance praise: This is an indispensable guide to the intersection of economics and philosophy: clear, rigorous and myth-busting. But it is much more than a guide. For it not only analyses the relevant debates but develops their arguments. It is a work of scholarship: a major contribution to both disciplines.' Sir Julian Le Grand, London School of Economics Advance praise: 'Economic Analysis, Moral Philosophy, and Public Policy offers a comprehensive review of the intersections of moral philosophy with economics. The authors expertly combine accessibility with sophistication in analyzing topics ranging from foundational issues of welfare economics, rationality, game theory, and distributive justice to public policy problems such as pollution, school vouchers, health care, and unemployment. This is a superb book.' Elizabeth Anderson, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor