Economic Literacy: Basic Economics with an Attitude

by Frederick S. Weaver

"Economic Literacy invites the beginning economics student to become an active participant rather than a passive recipient in the study of mainstream economics. The standard model and its logic are clearly and thoroughly presented, yet Frederick S. Weaver does so with a degree of critical thinking and a touch of skepticism---`an attitude'---that enable students to question and consider as they learn the conventional micro and macro principles. The text provides a firm foundation for further study of economics; for interdisciplinary work in the social sciences, particularly historical capitalism, political economy, and globalization; and, in its final chapter, demonstrates the applicability of these principles in addressing and assessing our current moment of worldwide economic instability." ---Jeanne Hahn, The Evergreen State College

"Weaver highlights the major economic concepts of micro- and macroeconomic principles at the undergraduate level....The volume is written in a straightforward, nontechnical manner with notable historical context....An excellent read for those seeking a casual overview of introductory economics. Highly recommended." ---Choice

"Economic Literacy has provided my students with accessible information in a readable format....Thanks for a great text!" ---Avra J. Johnson, Minnesota State University, Mankato

"Clear, concise, and witty enough to keep students reading, Economic Literacy is perfect for my politics courses in which basic economics is a necessary prerequisite rather than the focus of the class." ---Alexandra Guisinger, University of Notre Dame

In its third edition, Economic Basic Economics with an Attitude explains the logic, language, and worldview of economic theory while maintaining the engaging and accessible style that has made earlier editions so successful. While covering the fundamentals of the discipline, Frederick S. Weaver also includes a wide range of new material focusing on the structure, causes, and results of the "Great Recession." From micro-and macroeconomics to the composition of international and domestic economies, Economic Literacy also makes the key distinction between economics as an academic discipline and the economy as a practical reality. By analyzing this crucial difference, the book encourages students to think critically about the distinctive viewpoint proposed by academic economics and its influence on politics and culture. Weaver's approach helps readers understand both' current affairs and professional economics literature, making this book uniquely beneficial for students both practically and theoretically.

Genres: Economics

269 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2002

About the author

American historian.

Reviews

[Justin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reasonably clear, slightly opinionated and very wide-ranging intro to economics. I don't know if this would be a good choice for your very first encounter with the discipline, but if you're at my level (i.e., some grounding in history, pay attention to the news without necessarily grasping all the intricacies, but no formal training of any kind) it's very good. It gets murkier as the subject matter gets murkier: the micro section is very clear, the macro section gets a little more difficult, and the international economy section is often baffling. But then, I suspect the same goes for what he's writing about. A particularly nice feature is the way he closes chapters or sections with real world history-of-the-economy. I don't quite know how, but he moves very smoothly from raw theory to the disasters we've lived through over the last few years. Also bonus points for distinguishing between the economy and economics, and trying to make sure you, the reader, also keep that distinction in mind: what economists agree about isn't necessarily a true statement about the economy.

[Tommy Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A damned interesting "how to" work on understanding the literature of economics. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, but found the author just a tad too charming.