How to argue with an economist : reopening political debate in Australia

This fascinating book reflects on how economics has become central to our lives, and how the 'economic rationalist' perspective has become the lens through which all matters in Australian public life are viewed. It explains how this economic worldview systematically overlooks important social issues and how it transforms Australian culture. How to Argue with an Economist invites a broad general audience into debates that were once reserved for experts. Lindy Edwards, a former economic adviser in the Prime Minister's Department, has a talent for expressing concepts simply. She distils economics' key ideas into a lively and enjoyable read, explaining how economists think and then how you can argue with them. This fascinating book reflects on how economics is central to our lives, and how 'economic rationalism' has become the lens through which all Australian public life is viewed. It explains how this economic worldview overlooks important social issues, and how it transforms Australian culture. In this second edition, Lindy Edwards further explores its continued influence on Australian culture. She argues that recent debates about industrial relations revolve around values, and the re-making of Australia's industrial relations system reflects a transformation in policymakers' worldviews and priorities.

How to Argue with an Economist equips a general audience to participate in these debates, exposing their pitfalls and values and making the issues accessible to everyone. These debates are about more than economics; they are about Australian society and culture in the generations to come.

About the Author:
Dr Lindy Edwards is Research Fellow at the Australian National University

A political impasse A nation-defining choice Economic rationalism's grip on power Is economics a science? Key ideas in economics 'Punters' versus 'economic rationalists' Contrasting views of human nature Contrasting views of how society works Contrasting views of the ideal society Economic policy and culture How to argue with an economic rationalist Reclaiming responsibility Arguing about economic efficiency Arguing about quality of life Arguing about justice The way forward Making sure 'she'll be right' The values divide in industrial relations reform.