Entropy in the Canadian Economics Profession: Sampling Consensus on the Major Issues

Canadian Public Policy, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 137-150, 1988

14 Pages Posted: 8 Jul 2011

See all articles by Walter E. Block

Walter E. Block

Loyola University New Orleans - Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business

Date Written: July 6, 2011

Abstract

It is widely assumed that economists differ with each other on virtually every issue of relevance to their profession. Indeed, this supposed phenomenon is at the core of numerous jokes at their expense. Careful research, however, does not bear out this popular perception. To be sure, there is a great diversity within this academic discipline concerning matters of values and ethics. But the same could be said with regard to the political opinions of other professionals. In any case, when it comes to matters of technical expertise, that is, positive economics as opposed to normative economics, the evidence shows much less divergence on the view of Canadian practitioners. On the whole economists in Canada were found to be quite appreciative of the role of the price system as a means of allocating resources and determining outcomes. For example, only 3.8 per cent of the sample disagreed with the view that 'Tariffs and import quotas reduce general economic welfare,' and only 4.7 per cent did not concur with the statement that 'A ceiling on rents reduces the quantity and quality of housing available'.

Suggested Citation

Block, Walter E., Entropy in the Canadian Economics Profession: Sampling Consensus on the Major Issues (July 6, 2011). Canadian Public Policy, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 137-150, 1988, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1880087

Walter E. Block (Contact Author)

Loyola University New Orleans - Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business ( email )

6363 St. Charles Avenue
Box 15, Miller 321
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States
(504) 864-7944 (Phone)
(504) 864-7970 (Fax)

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
83
Abstract Views
954
Rank
539,187
PlumX Metrics