Post Keynesian Theories Of The Firm

Within Post-Keynesian economics there is a spectrum of approaches to theories of the firm but what they have in common, to their great benefit, is a proper integration of the concept of radical uncertainty: data that cannot be known. This book revisits Kalecki’s theory of the firm is located to show that it constitutes fertile theoretical ground on which to systematically understand the resultant indeterminacy when firms operate under conditions of radical uncertainty. The author proposes a way of generalising radical uncertainty by integrating some of the separate approaches within Post-Keynesian economics centred around Kalecki’s work. Through this, it is shown that radical uncertainty does more than just change the ultimate motivation of firms (dropping short run profit maximisation; more complex motivation; interconnectivity with the environment), it is central to the emergence, existence and motivation of firms, and critically also firm strategy. It is argued that firms do not simply respond to uncertainty: it is the systematic cause of their intentional behaviour. Through developing these arguments, the book also contributes to the methodology of Kalecki and Shackle, as well as Kaleckian price theory. This book will be important reading for anyone interested in theories of the firm, Post-Keynesian economics and heterodox approaches to economics more broadly.

While the first conference (1993) focused on methodological issues, the 13 papers of the second are more concerned with developments in theory, empirical work, and policy questions as they seek to carry on the insights of economist John Maynard Keynes into and through the 1990s. Among the themes are the relationship between microeconomic and macroeconomic levels, uncertainty and its implications for individual behavior as it underpins macroeconomic behavior, and applying post- Keynesian theory to policy questions particularly in the international arena. The proceedings of the first conference were published under a separate title, and this series begins Volume One with the second conference. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Eichner's classic A Guide to Post-Keynesian Economics (1978) is still seen as the definitive staging post for those wishing to familiarise themselves with the Post-Keynesian School. This book brings the story up-to-date. Of all the subgroups within heterodox economics, Post-Keynesianism has provided the most convincing alternative to mainstream theory. The main representatives of the Post-Keynesianism from both sides of the Atlantic are represented here, including Paul Davidson, Geoff Harcourt and Sheila Dow.

This book shows how the realistic foundations and stylized facts of Post-Keynesian economics give rise to macroeconomic implications that are different from those of received wisdom with regards to employment, output growth, inflation and monetary theory, and offers an alternative to neoclassical economics and its free-market economic policies.

Post Keynesianism offers an appealing alternative to the mainstream approach to economics, which makes this volume particularly welcome. John King draws on his expertise to provide a clear, accessible and cohesive overview. He explains how Post Keynesian economics is different from other schools of thought, including other 'Keynesianisms', emphasizing its distinctive methodology. King explores the nature and evolution of Post Keynesian ideas and spells out their relevance for current economic analysis and policy-making, using the crisis as a case study.' - Sheila Dow, University of Stirling, UK and University of Victoria, Canada 'John E. King's Advanced Introduction to Post Keynesian Economics provides a superb overview of this school of thought. It covers the main areas of contribution and distinguishes Post Keynesian economics both from orthodox economics and from other heterodox schools, in a clear and accessible way. In a time of increasing demand for relevance and pluralism in economics, this book will be extremely useful for students and young researchers interested in alternatives to current mainstream economics.' - Eckhard Hein, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Germany Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This brief but comprehensive account of the Post Keynesian approach to economic theory and policy is ideal for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in economics, public policy and other social sciences. Clear, non-technical and with a strong policy focus, it will also appeal to all of those who are dissatisfied with mainstream economics and wish to explore the alternatives. John King sets out the distinctive features of Post Keynesian economics and their implications for the assessment of alternative proposals for domestic and international macroeconomic policy. He begins by outlining the core elements of Post Keynesian theory and explains how it differs from other schools, including the so-called 'Old Keynesian' and 'New Keynesian' theories. Subsequent chapters deal with the important methodological issues that distinguish the Post Keynesians from mainstream economists, in addition to their treatment of firms, workers and households, the analysis of economic growth and development, as well as international economics. The Post Keynesian approach to monetary and fiscal policy, incomes and the environment is also summarized, with particular attention being paid to controversies over austerity and the reform of the financial sector and international monetary system. The Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2008 is used as a case study to illustrate many of the significant theoretical and policy questions raised in previous chapters. The relationship between Post Keynesian and other branches of heterodox economics are explored, and the book concludes with a brief discussion of the future prospects for the Post Keynesian school.

Post-Keynesian Economic Theory explores and develops several areas of post- Keynesian economics most in need of additional fundamental research, including: a monetary theory of production; post-Keynesian price theory; international economics; labor economics; financing aggregate demands; and the liquidity preference theory of interest. The book presents a constructive post-Keynesian critique of contemporary macroeconomic conceptualization and practice. It illustrates the illusory character of the search for unique, determinate results in the problems of macroeconomics and clearly demonstrates the complexity and resulting richness of meaningful economic theory.

This text provides a history of the post Keynesian approach to economics since 1936. The author locates the origins of these economics in the conflicting interpretations of Keynes' General Theory and in the complementary work of Michael Kalecki.