Dr. Eric Crampton, Chief Economist at The New Zealand Initiative, discusses 'How the Dismal Science Got Its Name' with host. Topics include differing views on slavery and race in the 19th century, Thomas Carlisle's controversial views, debates on conduct attribution, controversial governor's actions in Jamaica, revisiting historical debates on market egalitarianism and slavery, and exploring moral egalitarianism and autonomy in decision-making.
The term 'Dismal Science' originated from criticisms of economics by Thomas Carlyle, not from economic pessimism.
Historical debates on slavery and market capitalism shape economic views and moral principles in the past.
Deep dives
The Origins of the Term 'Dismal Science'
The podcast delves into the origin of the term 'Dismal Science', which is often associated with economics. It challenges the common belief that the term refers to the nature of economists being pessimistic. It explores how the name actually stems from Thomas Carlyle's criticisms of economics and its association with slavery.
Critique of Economic Theory by Carlyle and Dickens
The discussion focuses on how authors like Carlyle and Dickens viewed the dehumanization brought about by the emerging market capitalism. It sheds light on Carlyle's belief that slavery, rooted in the presumed hierarchy of races, could elevate the enslaved, contrasting with the market egalitarianism endorsed by Mill and others.
Memory and Historical Interpretation
The podcast questions why the historical debates and criticisms of economics by figures like Carlyle have been largely forgotten or overlooked. It discusses the role of memory in shaping historical narratives and explores the selective remembrance of certain aspects of past arguments, especially regarding the critique of market capitalism.
Implications of Utilitarian Arguments
The conversation highlights the debates around utilitarian arguments presented by figures like Carlyle, emphasizing the impact of inherent beliefs about racial hierarchy on economic and social views. It underlines how differing perspectives on slavery, freedom, and market dynamics influenced economic theories and moral principles during that period.
Dr Eric Crampton is the Chief Economist at The New Zealand Initiative and previously served for over a decade as Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Canterbury.
In this episode Eric and Damien discuss the book, How the Dismal Science Got Its Name, by David M. Levy.
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