Philosophy, Economics, and beyond

What worlds grow from economic ideas? Are any of these worlds habitable? Thinking of economics as philosophy, its contemporary practitioners offer many useful ideas for both navigating and creatively constructing reality.

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Key course information

Dates
19/04/12 - 21/06/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
10 weeks

Time
19:40 - 21:40

Fees
Full fee: £104
Senior fee: £104
Concession: £30

Venue
FRA - Fashion Retail Academy

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Course code
HP060

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

This is not an economics but a philosophy course with contemporary economic thinking as its topic.The overall approach is a philosophical consideration of economics as a domain of ideas and concepts - economics as philosophy. This is an open meditation on the philosophical significance of thinkers such as Kenneth Arrow, Paul Samuelson, George Akerlof, James Buchanan, Gary Becker, and Amartya Sen.
The overall aim is to evaluate the purpose, meaning, and value of several varieties of contemporary economic thinking.

What topics will we cover?

1) The thinking of a selection of contemporary economists such as Kenneth Arrow, Paul Samuelson, George Axerlof and Gary Becker.
2) Key concepts and ideas such as ‘information’, ‘choice’, and ‘equilibrium’ and theories such as ‘game theory’.
3) The relation between economic thinking and phenomena such as ‘globalization’, ‘consumerism’, and ‘ecology’.
4) Philosophical analysis of contemporary economic thinking using ideas drawn the cognitive & behavioural sciences and humanities.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Explain, in basic philosophical terms, the key elements of several contemporary economic thinkers.
Discuss the validity of the ‘orthodox’\’heterodox’ distinction.
Discuss whether economic ideas are useful aids to understanding or constructing reality.
Evaluate, straightforwardly, the overall meaning and significance of contemporary economics.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No prior knowledge is assumed, and the level will tend to adjust to the overall level of participants. However, a rough guide would be that of BBC Radio 3 or 4 humanities programmes such as 'In Our Time', 'Reith Lectures' or 'The Essay'. A willingness to critically and creatively engage with ideas and some basic familiarity with discussion/debate, argument, and evaluation will be beneficial.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The sessions are ‘open learning’ format - i.e., questions and discussion are not only welcomed but are central to our thinking through the topics presented. However, given the limitations of time and the different wishes and interests of participants (some engage more by listening, some more by talking), discussions may sometimes be shortened. Course topics will be covered by short verbal presentations supported by slides, including any relevant video clips. Slides and other materials will be available online. There is no set work outside of the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

None. Materials for your own note-taking, as you prefer.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.