Reflective Journal
● Write a 350-word personal reflection focusing on one key concept or idea from their assigned school of economic thought.
● Explain why they found it important or novel and how it has impacted their perspectives.
● The journal will be assessed on depth of reflection, use of evidence, analytical insight, and writing style.
Suggested Structure:
An 18th-19th century school founded by Adam Smith focused on how markets and capitalism operate through concepts like the invisible hand, emphasizing free markets and minimal government intervention.
Key concept - Invisible hand
The invisible hand refers to the automated nature of markets, where the decisions of self-interested individuals inadvertently promote the social good. Markets maximize efficiency when left alone.
A 19th-20th century school based on marginal utility theory, rational choice theory and equilibrium analysis which formalized economics as a deductive mathematical science grounded in optimization.
Key concept - Rational choice theory
Assumes individuals act rationally to maximize utility/profits. People weigh costs and benefits rationally when making economic decisions. Provides a foundation for modeling behavior.
A radical critique of capitalism pioneered by Karl Marx, analyzing class conflict, labor exploitation, historical materialism, crisis tendencies in capitalism, and advocating revolutionary socialism.
Key concept - Class conflict
Marx saw economic history as driven by conflict between social classes. He critiqued capitalism concentrating power and wealth, exploiting workers. Class dynamics shape society.
The estimated parameter values from a regression model quantify the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable.
Key concept - Opportunity cost
Every decision has an opportunity cost - the value of the next best-foregone alternative. Opportunity cost theory studies decision-making and advocates people thinking at the margin.
- 1-2 first sentences: Start by providing a brief introduction to the specific school of thought you are discussing.
- Mention its name, key proponents, and any relevant historical context.
Examples:
The Marxist school of thought, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century, is a significant and influential ideology that provides a unique perspective on society and economics.
- 3-4 next sentences: Discuss the worldview of the school of thought.
- Explain the ideological lens through which members of this school perceive the real world. This could involve discussing their fundamental beliefs and perspectives regarding the nature of reality, society, and human behavior.
- Provide a concise overview of the core principles that underlie their worldview.
Charge your account to get a detailed instruction for the assignment