Abstract
Economics is difficult to define unambiguously, many definitions having been proposed as the subject has evolved. Definitions are ex post constructions, even rationalizations, but they can nonetheless influence what economist do and how they set about doing it. This article considers the main definitions from the late 18th century to the present, pointing out some of the ways in which changing views reflect and have influenced changes in the subject.
This chapter was originally published in The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics, 2nd edition, 2008. Edited by Steven N. Durlauf and Lawrence E. Blume
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Bibliography
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Backhouse, R.E., Medema, S. (2008). Economics, Definition of. In: The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95121-5_1940-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95121-5_1940-1
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Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
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