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  3. Journal of Economic Literature
  4. December 2007
  5. Interesting Questions in Freakonomics

Journal of Economic Literature

ISSN 0022-0515 (Print) | ISSN 2328-8175 (Online)

Interesting Questions in Freakonomics

  • John DiNardo
Journal of Economic Literature
vol. 45, no. 4, December 2007
(pp. 973–1000)
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Abstract

Freakonomics is more about "entertainment" than it is a serious attempt at popularization. Consequently, rather than conduct a comprehensive fact check, I use the book as a springboard for a broader inquiry into social science research and take issue with the book's surprising premise that "Economics is a science with excellent tools for gaining answers but a serious shortage of interesting questions." Using examples from Freakonomics, I argue that some of the questions the book addresses are "uninteresting" because it is impossible to even imagine what a good answer would look like. I conclude with some thoughts about the role of economic theory in generating interesting questions and/or answers.

Citation

DiNardo, John. 2007. "Interesting Questions in Freakonomics." Journal of Economic Literature, 45 (4): 973–1000. DOI: 10.1257/jel.45.4.973

JEL Classification

  • A11 Role of Economics; Role of Economists