Richard D. Wolff

Thank you both! I have little difficulty with algebraic formulations and I’m pretty visual. I purchased Barron’s Economics as a primer and I’ve started Capital. I will put ‘Contending Economic Theories’ at the top of my book list.

That really depends on what degree of economic literacy you are looking for. I highly recommend Prof. Wolff’s “Contending Economic Theories” as it introduces you to the three major schools of thought in a fairly unbiased way. However, economists have a tendency to use algebraic expressions and visual aids in order to express ideas. If you are not a visual learner it’s often difficult to wrap your head around these explanations without some formal instruction. I myself have issues with the typical visual representation of Neo-classical economics. I some cases it seems that certain explanations feel more contrived than correct, that the author of an idea bends over backwards to avoid discussing an unpalatable(and far simpler) solution. I feel it’s Marx’s ability to show how contrived some of these explanations are that validates many of his criticisms.

Ask Prof. Wolff: Recommended Reading