Interesting Questions in Freakonomics

John DiNardo

Journal of Economic Literature, 2007, vol. 45, issue 4, 973-1000

Abstract: Freakonomics is more about "entertainment" than it is a serious attempt at popularization. Consequently, rather than conduct a comprehensive fact check, I use the book as a springboard for a broader inquiry into social science research and take issue with the book's surprising premise that "Economics is a science with excellent tools for gaining answers but a serious shortage of interesting questions." Using examples from Freakonomics , I argue that some of the questions the book addresses are "uninteresting" because it is impossible to even imagine what a good answer would look like. I conclude with some thoughts about the role of economic theory in generating interesting questions and/or answers.

JEL-codes: A11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
Note: DOI: 10.1257/jel.45.4.973
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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