Exploring Alternative Economic Theories

Adultβ€’20 minutes

Learning Objective

I can compare and contrast different alternative economic theories.

Key Concepts

Adam Smith's book, The Wealth of Nations, introduced the idea that individuals pursuing their own self-interest could inadvertently serve the common good, and he advocated for free trade.

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels argued that history was driven by conflict between workers and property owners, leading to a stateless, classless system called communism.

John Maynard Keynes challenged classical economics by arguing that market economies don't self-correct quickly and that government intervention through monetary and fiscal policy is sometimes necessary to increase output and decrease unemployment.

Practice Questions

This lesson includes 3 practice questions to reinforce learning.

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1. Compare and contrast classical economics with Keynesian economics, focusing on their views on government intervention during economic recessions.

2. Which of the following statements best describes the Austrian School of economics?

3. Explain how the economic theories of Karl Marx differ from those of Adam Smith.

Educational Video

Economic Schools of Thought: Crash Course Economics #14

CrashCourse

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