The Concept of Rationality in Introductory Economics Textbooks

Martin K. Jones (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The paper reviews major Economics textbooks used in the UK from the point of view of their use of rationality as a teaching tool. The textbooks vary widely in their explicit analysis of rationality from finding it important to totally ignoring it. When textbooks do use the concept as part of their analysis, the definitions vary considerably. In fact, there are some implicit uses of rationality in all textbooks although these are not always acknowledged. This complexity is reflected in the history of economic thought and modern economic analysis. The future use of rationality as a teaching tool is discussed in the context of current research in economics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)37-47
Number of pages11
JournalCitizenship, Social and Economics Education
Volume20
Issue number1
Early online date12 Feb 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • introductory economics textbooks
  • rationality
  • teaching in economics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Concept of Rationality in Introductory Economics Textbooks'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this