Economics and Interdisciplinary Exchange

Economists have not always been on friendly terms with scientists from other fields. More than once, economists have been accused of 'imperialism' or criticized for neglecting the insights obtained in other fields. The history of economics, however, yields manifold examples of interdisciplinary 'borrowing' where economists have adapted concepts and theories from other fields. This book deals with the exchanges (or sometimes the lack thereof) between economics and neighbouring disciplines. The contributions examine specific cases and episodes taken from the history of economics, indicating that many important economists were paying attention to what happened beyond the borders of their own field. The themes covered include: the interaction of economics with literature, Christian theology, history, demography, and natural sciences the relationships between economics and policy, and economics and 'common sense'. With contributions from leading specialists, this volume will prove essential reading not only for those working in economics, but also those interested in the possibilities of disciplinary cross-fertilisation in any subject.