ABSTRACT

This punchy book unites mainline mathematical economics and sometimes idiosyncratic political economy. Freshness is brought to the market concept giving general equilibrium theory a new lease of life, and an opening of thought on such matters as free trade, globalization and the environment.
Where most theories of general equilibrium have been based on utility maximizing traders, Afriat here maintains the view that the topic essentially is concerned with aggregates and that anything to do with utility is at best secondary if not spurious. The book goes on to discuss political economy, in particular the idea of 'optimum', and its abuses, especially in doctrine related to the market.
This novel book will be of equal appeal to mathematical thinkers, those interested in the theory of market and political economists.

part I|8 pages

The market phenomenon

part II|16 pages

Market equilibrium and stability

part III|20 pages

The linear market model

part IV|9 pages

Market & Myth

part V|31 pages

On trade, and self-sufficiency

chapter 1|6 pages

An introduction to economics

chapter 2|10 pages

The ‘Optimism' of market doctrine 11

chapter 3|8 pages

Keynes on “National self-sufficiency”

chapter 4|5 pages

In Adelaide (or anywhere)

part VI|17 pages

In the economic context: concerning ‘efficiency'