The tragic science: how economists cause harm (even as they aspire to do good) by George F. DeMartino

Abstract

Book review: DeMartino, G. F. (2022). The Tragic Science: How economists Cause Harm (Even as They Aspire to Do Good). University of Chicago Press (pp. 272) This paper discusses the book The tragic science: how economists cause harm (even as they aspire to do good) by M. George F. DeMartino. The Author criticizes the moral geometry used by economists to evaluate harm, arguing for a more multifaceted understanding of harm that considers epistemic uncertainty. While the book under review lacks a systematic study of the moral dimension of harm, the Author’s versatility and scholarship are admirable, making it an inspiring read for both casual readers and professionals in economics and philosophy.

Keywords

• harm
• causality
• moral geometry
• cost-benefit analysis
• uncertainty
• welfare economics