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Keep shoppingPolitical Economy - Historical Evolution of Ideas & Theories
182 students
Political Economy - Historical Evolution of Ideas & Theories
Learn how the ground-breaking ideas of Smith, Marx, Keynes, Hayek, Friedman, and others shape societies to this day
Created byJörg Marinko
Last updated 2/2025
English
English [Auto],
What you'll learn
- Origins of Economic Ideas: Discover the foundational theories that emerged in response to the economic challenges of their time
- Influential Economists and Their Theories: Get to know the key figures in economic history and understand the impact of their ideas
- Evolution of Economic Schools: Trace the development of different economic schools, from classical to contemporary
- Economic Thought in Practice: See how historical economic theories have influenced policies, shaped societies, and continue to affect our lives today
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Course content
6 sections • 23 lectures • 2h 22m total length
Requirements
- A curious mind :-)
Description
What will this course cover?
This course offers an insightful journey through the rich, diverse and versatile history of economic thought, from the pioneering ideas of classical economists like Adam Smith and David Ricardo to the revolutionary theories of Karl Marx. We will trace the evolution of economic theory over time, delving into how neoclassical economics, which emerged from the marginal revolution, addressed the limitations of classical economics. Along the way, you'll encounter influential thinkers such as William Stanley Jevons, Carl Menger, Léon Walras, Alfred Marshall, Arthur Pigou, and Vilfredo Pareto.
We will also examine the rise of Keynesianism, developed in response to the Great Depression, which challenged classical economics’ failure to explain prolonged unemployment and advocated for government intervention. The Austrian School of Economics emerged as a counterpoint to socialist economic theories and growing interventionism, while Monetarism, led by Milton Friedman, arose in response to the shortcomings of Keynesian policies in the 1970s, particularly with regard to inflation.
Finally, we will explore the rise of modern schools of thought, which blend elements from earlier traditions, such as the neoclassical and new Keynesian schools, as well as behavioral economics, which questions the classical and neoclassical assumption of the fully rational decision-maker.
Why should you sign up for this Course?
Understanding the evolution of economic thought is essential for anyone interested in economics, history, or social sciences. By learning about past theories and ideas, you’ll gain insights into the economic challenges we face today and how we might address them. This course will equip you with a deeper appreciation of the intellectual history of economics and prepare you to critically engage with contemporary economic issues.
Who this course is for:
- Everybody who wants to critically engage with economic issues