The economist quae political economist: Lionel Robbins and the economic adivisory council

Thiago Dumont Oliveira and Carlos Suprinyak
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Thiago Dumont Oliveira: N/A

No 535, Textos para Discussão Cedeplar-UFMG from Cedeplar, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Abstract: This paper assesses Robbins's participation in the Economic Advisory Council in 1930, drawing mostly on The Lionel Robbins Papers held atthe LSE. The divergences between him and Keynes are highlighted and an attempt is made to shed some light on Robbins' overarching interest on the interplay of economics as a science and political economy as a broader field that includes normative considerations. This renders invalid criticisms related to the absence of ethical considerations in Robbins' approach to economics. Specifically, some elements that would resurface in Robbins' later works are identified, and it is argued that the Essay on the Nature and Significance of Economic Science should be situated within his larger purpose of illuminating the extent to which the science of economics could serve as an important tool – necessary, though not sufficient –to orient the formulation of public policies.

Keywords: onel Robbins; Economic Advisory Council; Economics x Political Economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: B20 B31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 24 pages
Date: 2016-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his and nep-hpe
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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