If You're So Smart: The Narrative of Economic Expertise

by Deirdre Nansen McCloskey

Book Overview

In this witty, accessible, and revealing book, Deirdre McCloskey demystifies economic theory and practice to show that behind the economists claim to certainty is the ancient art of storytelling. If You're So Smart will engage, enlighten, and empower anyone trying to evaluate the experts who stand ready to engineer our lives.

"Writing with delicious wit and great seriousness."--Publishers Weekly. "

"McCloskey is more interesting...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226556719
• ISBN13: 9780226556710
• Release Date: May 1992
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 190 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

I don't know any rich economist, do you?

This book is great! McCloskey explains, with an easy to read style, but without losing the rigor on the content, how the economists tell stories to persuade the public, politicians and their colleagues. With a witty approach, McCloskey proves that economists aren't able to predict, why aren't all of them rich, then? The author gives several examples of how economists use rhetorical devices with the aim to persuade their audience, instead of the scientific methodology they officially support. This amazing and amusing book is not only for economists; if you think that economics are very serious, read this and the next time it will be harder for the economists to fool you!