ECO344 Economics, Ethics and Philosophy

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is an exploration of some topics at the intersection of economics, ethics and philosophy. The course will examine the ethical and philosophical foundations of normative economics, by seeking to understand the role of efficiency and equity considerations in economic behavior and policy-making. It seeks to investigate the role of ethical theories and concepts in comprehending economic life. The course will also examine questions concerning the methodology of economics, and the distinct nature of economics as a science. Some of the topics to be explored include rationality, self-interest, value, welfare, justice, optimality, models, causality and reductionism.

 

Prerequisites: ECO201 Microeconomics and ECO202 Macroeconomics