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On the Political Economy of Economic Policy Advice

Gebhard Kirchgässner
Universität St. Gallen; CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute for Economic Research)

June 1998

University of St. Gallen Economics Discussion Paper No. 9805

Abstract:
Because it is possible to find for any political position economists who defend it (for money), economists giving policy advice are in the general public often accused of being corruptible. The purpose of this paper is to show that nevertheless it is possible that the process of policy advice leads to objective knowledge. We ask for the role of the scientist in this process. This is done on the basis of critical rationalism. Then it is shown that economic theory is so weak that it is possible for different economists to defend pretty contrary positions with the claim of scientific truth. Consequently, a precondition for reaching objectivity is an open public discussion.

JEL Classifications: H80

Working Paper Series

Date posted: July 14, 1998 ; Last revised: November 10, 1998

Suggested Citation

Kirchgässner, Gebhard, On the Political Economy of Economic Policy Advice (June 1998). University of St. Gallen Economics Discussion Paper No. 9805. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=104672 or doi:10.2139/ssrn.104672

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Contact Information

Gebhard Kirchgaessner (Contact Author) Universität St. Gallen ( email ) SIASR, Institutsgebaeude Dufourstr. 48 CH-9000 St.Gallen Switzerland +41 71 224 23 40 (Phone) +41 71 224 22 98 (Fax)
CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute for Economic Research) Poschinger Str. 5 DE-81679 Munich Germany

Abstract

References (70)

Date posted: July 14, 1998 ; Last revised: November 10, 1998

Suggested Citation

Contact Information

Gebhard Kirchgaessner (Contact Author)