mattnewport comments on Open Thread: May 2010 - Less Wrong

3 Post author: Jack 01 May 2010 05:29AM

You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.

Comments (543)

You are viewing a single comment's thread. Show more comments above.

Comment author: simplicio 03 May 2010 11:19:15PM 4 points [-]

I have a request. My training is in science & engineering, but I am totally ignorant of basic economics. I have come to see this as a huge blind spot. I feel my views on social issues are fairly well-reasoned, but when it comes to anything fiscal, it's all very touchy-feely at present.

Can anyone recommend intro material on economics (books, tutorials)? I ask on LW because I have no idea where to start and who to trust. If you offer a recommendation of a book pushing some particular economic "school of thought," that's fine, but I'd like to know what that school is.

Thanks!

Comment author: mattnewport 03 May 2010 11:35:36PM *  3 points [-]

Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt is a good slim introduction to the economic mindset. For a different approach focused on the application of economic thinking to everyday life The Logic of Life by Tim Harford is worth a look. Neither book covers much of the math of economics but I think that is a good thing since most of the math heavy parts of economics are the least useful and relevant.

ETA: Economics In One Lesson is a heavily free market / free trade 'classical' economic slant.