The History of More Engaged Economists - Perry Mehrling

The transcript discusses the historical context of economics in America, highlighting its healthier state when it was more interdisciplinary and engaged with other social sciences and civil society. It emphasizes the shift from a focus on real-world issues to a more specialized, tool-based approach. The evolution of economics from a subject matter-driven field to one defined by its methodologies is also explored.

What made the origins of economics in America healthier according to the speaker?

• Its isolation from other disciplines

• Its engagement with other social sciences

• Its emphasis on high salaries

• Its focus on mathematical models

How did economists interact with other professionals in the past?

• They engaged with lawyers, bankers, and journalists

• They only interacted with other economists

• They focused solely on academic publications

• They avoided interactions with non-economists

What characterized the relationship between academic economics and other discourses?

• A sharp division

• A competitive rivalry

• Complete isolation

• A continuum

What was a key characteristic of economics in its early days?

• It was self-referential

• It focused on theoretical models

• It was engaged with real-world issues

• It was highly paid

How has the definition of economics changed over time?

• It has become more focused on real-world problems

• It is now defined by its tools rather than subject matter

• It has remained unchanged

• It has become less specialized