Knowledge and Persuasion in Economics

Knowledge and Persuasion in Economics challenges core assumptions about how economics functions as a field of study. McCloskey examines the rhetoric and methodology used by economists, questioning whether the discipline truly operates according to purely scientific principles. The book analyzes specific economic arguments and texts to demonstrate how persuasion and narrative play crucial roles in economic discourse. Through detailed examination of economic literature and argumentation, McCloskey reveals the literary and rhetorical techniques that economists employ in their work. The text moves through discussions of modernism, positivism, and various schools of economic thought to build its case about the nature of economic knowledge. McCloskey draws from philosophy of science, literary theory, and the history of economic thought to support the analysis. At its core, this work presents a fundamental argument about the relationship between science and rhetoric in economics, suggesting that acknowledging the rhetorical nature of economic discourse could lead to more honest and effective scholarship in the field.

Readers view this as a complex academic text that challenges how economists communicate and make arguments. Many note it requires careful reading and background knowledge of both economics and rhetoric. Likes: - Clear breakdown of rhetorical devices used in economic writing - Strong examples from economic literature - Fresh perspective on methodology in economics - Detailed examination of metaphors in economic thinking Dislikes: - Dense academic language makes it inaccessible to non-specialists - Some readers found the rhetoric focus excessive - Arguments can be repetitive - Several readers noted confusion about practical applications Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (14 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) One academic reviewer on Amazon wrote: "Makes important points about how economists actually argue and persuade, rather than just focusing on mathematical proofs." A critical review noted: "The emphasis on rhetoric sometimes overshadows the economic content. Not for readers seeking practical economic insights."

The Rhetoric of Economics by Deirdre McCloskey This work examines how economists use language and rhetoric to persuade, building on the themes later expanded in Knowledge and Persuasion.

How Economics Shapes Science by Paula Stephan The book reveals the economic forces and incentives that drive scientific research and knowledge production.

The Methodology of Economics by Mark Blaug A systematic analysis of economic methodology that explores how economists build and test their theories.

Economics and Reality by Tony Lawson This text critiques mainstream economics' philosophical foundations and proposes alternative approaches to understanding economic phenomena.

The Philosophy of Economics by Daniel M. Hausman The work investigates the philosophical underpinnings of economic theory and the nature of economic explanations.

📚 The author, Deirdre McCloskey, underwent gender transition in 1995, after the publication of this book, making her one of the most prominent transgender economists in academia. 💭 The book challenges the dominant positivist methodology in economics, arguing that economics relies more on rhetoric and persuasion than purely scientific methods. 📖 McCloskey coined the term "rhetoric of economics," which became a new field of study examining how economists use language and argument to convince others. 🎓 The book builds on McCloskey's earlier work, "The Rhetoric of Economics" (1985), but expands significantly into philosophical territory, particularly addressing postmodern critiques of economic methodology. 🌟 Despite being controversial when published, the book's core argument that economics is a form of persuasive storytelling has influenced fields beyond economics, including sociology and literary criticism.