The Political Element in the Development of Economic Theory

by Gunnar Myrdal

Myrdal described this book as a discussion of three key notions in economic theory: the ideas of value, freedom, and collective house-keeping. It is through these concepts, he charged, that political ideology has been intro-duced into economic theory. This volume continues to be relevant in its emphasis on the problem of objectivity in the social sciences.

Genres: Economics, Philosophy, Politics, Nonfiction

298 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1930

Reviews

[Adam Glenn]

The best book I have read that describes how ideologues mask hidden premises in economic arguments; and how these arguments serve those with economic and political power.