Economics [antikvár]

PrefaceFrom the beginning, our goal has been to write a text which would answer the needs of students and instructors concerning the well-estabhshed as well as the controversial topics in economics. To accomplish this goal, we believe that a beginning text should be (1) open-minded and searching for the best in all schools of thought where there is disagreement, (2) thorough and reahstic in presenting material that is generally accepted, and (3) flexible and oriented to a broad view in matters like international trade, economic development, and comparative economic systems.We have built these characteristics into our book. We believe that they make it an appropriate text for the late nineteen eighties. We also believe that they form the basis for the kind of "economic literacy" which sees the applicability of economic principles beyond the specific applications in any one topic or any one period of time.NEW FEATURES IN THE SECOND EDITIONWe have benefited greatly from suggestions offered by users of our first edition and have incorporated many of these ideas into our second edition. The following is a check-list of the more important new features in our second edition. Shortened and restructured introductory section.Improved sequence of macroeconomics material.Revised and simplified presentation of the Keynesian model.Strengthened treatment of monetary economics.Improved coverage of aggregate demand and aggregate supply.Greater integration of expectations theories.More applications of microeconomic concepts and tools.Broadened discussion of the "fourth merger wave."Up-to-date analysis of OPEC.New chapter on Government and Taxation.Expanded analysis of the shifting U.S. international trade position.New discussion of farm debt problems and U.S. farm programs.New material on China's economy under Deng Xiaoping.Several new and revised essays.Integrated study guide and testbank.New computerized ancillaries.ORGANIZATION Introductory ChaptersThe first five chapters provide the basic groundwork for all that is to come. In the first chapter, we present a broad overview of economics. It