The evolution of modern economic theory and other papers on the history of economic thought

by Lionel Robbins

The long paper which gives the title to this collection and which has never before been published as paperback was initially an attempt to promote international academic understanding. The Economics Department at the London School of Economics had arranged a colloquy between two groups of Russian and British economists; and where the author asked to contribute a general survey of the present state of economic theory as taught in Western centers. For reasons, which are explained in the opening section, the author decided to adopt an historical approach; and the notes on which the present paper is based were the result.

Genres: Economics

265 pages, Hardcover

First published February 5, 1970

About the author

Lionel Charles Robbins, Baron Robbins, CH, CB, FBA (22 November 1898 – 15 May 1984) was a British economist, and prominent member of the economics department at the London School of Economics. He is known for his leadership at LSE, his proposed definition of economics, and for his instrumental efforts in shifting Anglo-Saxon economics from its Marshallian direction. He is famous for the quote, "Humans want what they can't have."

Reviews

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of Essays from Lionel Robbins, one of the more famous professors of economic thought from the 20th century. The essays are a mixed bag. His 50 page eponymous is an excellent succinct layout of the progression of methodology, as presented at a conference with Soviet economists. I also enjoyed the short essays on second tier economists Bentham and Jevons. Also included is his review of Schumpeter's giant tome, History of Economic Analysis. Throughout the book, he delighted in showing where Schumpeter was mistaken. Finally, his extensive essays on J.S. Mill were very enlightening.