Category Archives: Joseph Stiglitz

What Gets Measured, Counts

Amartya Sen, Economic indicators, Economics, GDP, Gross Domestic Product, Happiness, Inequality, Joseph Stiglitz, Maine literature, Mary Ellen Chase, Opinion, Public Policy, Values
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A few years ago I was visiting the museum of a local Maine historical society.  When the docent discovered I worked as an economist, he immediately wanted to show me their collection of early currency that had circulated in the community.  His assumption was that an economist would, of course, be interested in money.  I […]

Call Me a Luddite

benefit cost analysis, Economics, Happiness, Information Technology, Joseph Stiglitz, Luddite, Market decisionmakring, Markets, Opinion, Regulation, Technology, Technology Assessment, Values
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Back in January I wondered out loud, Was the Internet a Good Idea?  To my way of thinking the information technology (IT) revolution of the past 25 years has been a mixed blessing.  It both created amazing tools for doing everyday tasks and introduced whole new means of mindless addiction and criminal opportunities. This IT […]