Do economists (to say nothing of other, lesser social scientists) have wisdom to sell, do you think? I could name a few prize-winning ones who do not. In my unhumble opinion.
My sense is that most economist are too modest and assume constraints on advice that might not be there. They should at least present the first best solution before designing the fourth best Rube Goldberg policy.
Ethics is morality, and in my little book The Moral Imperative is "do not compel unjustly." Compulsion is force, threat of force and deceit with intent to harm. Economists do not typical compel, but many come close when they affirm what statist politicians want them to say, either unwittingly, carelessly or obsequiously.
Do economists (to say nothing of other, lesser social scientists) have wisdom to sell, do you think? I could name a few prize-winning ones who do not. In my unhumble opinion.
Examples of best/worst practice?
My sense is that most economist are too modest and assume constraints on advice that might not be there. They should at least present the first best solution before designing the fourth best Rube Goldberg policy.
Ethics is morality, and in my little book The Moral Imperative is "do not compel unjustly." Compulsion is force, threat of force and deceit with intent to harm. Economists do not typical compel, but many come close when they affirm what statist politicians want them to say, either unwittingly, carelessly or obsequiously.