Synopses & Reviews
This book is essentially an exercise in methodology, addressed to economists and economic historians alike. Too many economists discover a relationship or a uniformity in economic behavior, develop a model, and use it to explain more than it is capable of, including on occasion all economic behavior. In Economic Laws and Economic History Charles Kindleberger makes a powerful case against the idea that any one model or law could be used to unlock the basic secrets of economic history.
Review
"Professor Kindleberger's lectures, reminding us of the value of a more eclectic approach, are to be welcomed." Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences
Synopsis
Charles Kindleberger makes a powerful case against the idea that any one model could be used to unlock the basic secret of economic history. These lectures illustrate the view that the economist seeking to test analysis against historical data should have a variety of different models, and not just one.
Table of Contents
Preface; 1. Engels' law; 2. The iron law of wages; 3. Gresham's law; 4. The law of one price; Discussion; Comments.