Possibly the strangest phenomenon in all of economics is the absence of a long tradition of criticism focused on Keynesian economic theory. Keynesian demand management has been at the centre of some of the worst economic outcomes in history, from the great stagflation of the 1970s to the lost decade and more in Japan following the expenditure program of the 1990s. And once again, following the Global Financial Crisis, it is incontrovertible that no stimulus program in any part of the world has been a success, each one having been abandoned as conditions deteriorated under the weight of public sector spending. This book brings together some of the most vocal critics of Keynesian economics. Each author attempts to explain what is wrong with Keynesian theory in ways that can be understood by those seeking guidance on where to turn for a more accurate explanation of the business cycle and on what to do when recessions occur.

Geoffrey Pilling’s treatment of this complex issue in political economy, first published in 1986, concentrates on a review of Keynes’ writings rather than the vast literature that has developed surrounding his work since the Second World War. It does, however, consider the work of the ‘Left Keynesians’, in particular that of Joan Robinson. The Crisis of Keynesian Economics has the potential to throw fresh light on some of the issues facing political leaders today, particularly so given that much of the Neo-Capitalist economic orthodoxy established during the 1980s has come under fresh criticism in recent years.

'All of us need help in understanding Keynes's brilliant, but often opaque, contributions to theory and policy. These essays provide a scholarly, balanced yet provocative assessment and critique.' Sir Alan Walters This book represents, for the first time a collection of classic appraisals of Keynesian economics' impact on economic theory and policy that will be of use to all students of macroeconomics and the history of economic thought. Don Patinkin's assesses Keynes early life and focuses attention on Keynes's contribution to monetary economics. Axel Leijonhufvud takes the view that the Keynesian revolution began and stayed on the wrong track. Leland Yeager refutes the idea that Keynesian economics was responsible for the general prosperity in the industrialised world immediately after the Second World War. Karl Brunner is critical of Keynes's reliance on fiscal rather than monetary policy. Terence Hutchison defends Keynes, both against his critics and against Keynesians! Patrick Minford traces the roots of neoclassical economics, back to The General Theory. Stephen Littlechild offers an alternative to Keynesian economics by focusing attention on the Austrian school.

This book introduces students to the present state of the art in the economics of institutionalism and social policy. It also introduces the reader to a critique of mainstream economic thinking, followed by the development of a humanistic social interaction model of economic institutions, behavior, and social policy. The author takes a broad look at some of the major problems of social institutions and policy in the Canadian context. Contents: List of Figures; List of Tables; Acknowledgments; Introduction; Economics and Social Institutions; The Nature of Economic Theory; Resolution of the Great Economic Problems of Contemporary Times; Economic Issues of the Public Sector; Economic Problems of the Private Sector; Socio-Economic Issues Related to the Problem of Poverty; Economic Growth and Development; Regional Economic Development; Labour Market; Inflation and Unemployment; Social Contractarianism for Humanistic Institutionalism; Economics of Canadian Constitutional Provisions under the Unity Accord; Institution-Economy Interface of Canadian Debt and Deficits.

These two volumes cover the principal areas to which Post-Keynesian economists have made distinctive contributions. The contents include the significant criticism by Post-Keynesians of mainstream economics, but the emphasis is on positive Post-Keynesian analysis of the economic problems of the modern world and of policies with which to tackle them.

This two volume Handbook contains chapters on the main areas to which Post-Keynesians have made sustained and important contributions. These include theories of accumulation, distribution, pricing, money and finance, international trade and capital flows, the environment, methodological issues, criticism of mainstream economics and Post-Keynesian policies. The Introduction outlines what is in the two volumes, in the process placing Post-Keynesian procedures and contributions in appropriate contexts.

This book argues that the treatment of money and monetary matters in economic theory has traditionally been incomplete and inconsistent, and puts forward a new approach both to money and to its role in economic theory.

'Professor Robin Marris, who almost thirty years ago made pioneering contributions on the theory of managerial capitalism, has now written a fascinating and highly unusual book on Keynesian macroeconomics.' - Amitava Krishna Dutt, Review of Social Economy '. . . the book provides many valuable insights for macroeconomists on both sides of the Atlantic.' - Stephen McCafferty, Journal of Economic Literature This path-breaking book - written by a leading economist - is certain to create controversy and will lead to a fundamental reassessment of Keynesian economics. Building on his previous work on modern capitalism, Robin Marris has made an important theoretical advance which will have a major impact on the economics profession.

This book explores key economic problems and new policies for the global economy of the 21st century. The contributors discuss to what extent past policy errors were due to the incompetence of policymakers, and highlight problems including: international payments imbalances and currency crises, volatile security markets, inflation, achieving full employment, income distribution and alleviating individuals and nations of poverty.

This book contends that post Keynesian economics has its own methodological and didactic basis, and its realistic analysis is much-needed in the current economic and financial crisis. At a time when the original message of KeynesÕ General Theory is no longer present in the most university syllabuses, this book celebrates the uniqueness of teaching post Keynesian economics, providing comparisons with traditional economic rationale and illustrating the advantages of post Keynesian pedagogy. Against a backdrop in which neo-classical textbooks prevail, the expert contributors demonstrate that Keynes and The General Theory possess indispensable insight that would furnish students with a clearer understanding of the world economy in which they live. They explore the teaching of post Keynesian economics from a number of different perspectives, covering topics such as open system theorizing, pluralism in teaching, rhetoric in the spirit of Keynes, uncertainty, expectations and money. A critique of mainstream and traditional economic textbooks is also provided. This highly unique and fascinating book will provide an invaluable reference tool for teachers and researchers in post Keynesian economics, as well as their students.