What Price Incentives: Economists and the Environment

(Hardback)

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Sets forth in a straightforward and sensible way the philosophical reasons for the non-economist's skepticism of the economist's view of the world. Its relevance extends beyond environmental issues to other areas where microeconomic theory is being applied to public policy. Kelman cites results to confirm his view that both opponents and supporters of economic incentives have important philosophical concerns. He takes the role of an advocate of the use of incentives in formulating an environmental policy. He also discusses political strategy from the point of view of the policy entrepreneur who is trying to get ideas adopted. Economists and non-economists alike will welcome this book as a bridge over a perceptual gap in an important area of policymaking.

Reviews

. . . a valuable and challenging book . . . deserves to be widely read. Certainly it should appear on the reading lists in environmental economics and more general public policy courses. The challenge it poses to economists' views, not only of the beauty of their policy prescriptions, but also of their profession and its position in policy debate, will certainly stimulate a healthy debate.-Clifford S. Russell, Journal of Political Economy
The main point is that this book can broaden our horizons as economists and that we have every reason to welcome the opportunity.-William J. Baumol, Journal of Economic Literature
"The main point is that this book can broaden our horizons as economists and that we have every reason to welcome the opportunity."-William J. Baumol, Journal of Economic Literature
." . . a valuable and challenging book . . . deserves to be widely read. Certainly it should appear on the reading lists in environmental economics and more general public policy courses. The challenge it poses to economists' views, not only of the beauty of their policy prescriptions, but also of their profession and its position in policy debate, will certainly stimulate a healthy debate."-Clifford S. Russell, Journal of Political Economy

Author Bio

lman /f Steven