The Concept of Rationality in Introductory Economics Textbooks

Martin K. Jones

doi:10.1177/2047173421994333

The Concept of Rationality in Introductory Economics Textbooks

Martin K. Jones (Lead / Corresponding author)

University of Dundee School of Business

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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 language	English
Pages (from-to)	37-47
Number of pages	11
Journal	Citizenship, Social and Economics Education
Volume	20
Issue number	1
Early online date	12 Feb 2021
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/2047173421994333
Publication status	Published - 2021

Keywords

introductory economics textbooks
rationality
teaching in economics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1177/2047173421994333Licence: CC BY

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The Concept of Rationality in Introductory Economics Textbooks

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

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