How Economists Forgot the Real World (and Led Us Astray)

In the past fifty years, economists have had more influence over politics and society than any other social science. But where do their ideas come from?

In this talk, Nat Dyer will tell the story of David Ricardo, Adam Smith’s only real rival as the “founder of economics”. Following a chance discovery in Bath, Ricardo introduced the study of abstract models to economics – models that have shaped how we see everything from financial markets to the ecological crisis. The talk will show how too many economists, from Ricardo’s day to our own, have turned away from observing the real world and led us astray.

Nat Dyer is a writer, researcher and campaigner specialising in global political economy. We are delighted to be selling signed copies of Nat’s new book Ricardo’s Dream at this event.