Book Review: The Boundaries of Technique

In The Boundaries of Technique, Professor Andrew Yuengert (Professor of Economics, Pepperdine University) uses the moral philosophy of Thomas Aquinas to show that economics and ethics cannot be isolated from one another but are in fact intertwined. In other words, economics is not a morally neutral discipline. Rather, the economist must understand why are they are doing what they do in their studies instead of just what they are doing. Professor Yuengert points out that most economists are focused on method rather than motivation and fail to see the importance of ethical considerations in their work.

Frankly, I found the book a little difficult to read partly because I am neither an economist nor well-read in the area of philosophy. However, Professor Yuengert appears to have researched the topic rather well and makes a carefully documented case for the incorporation of ethical considerations into economic studies. This is a book that I would recommend for students of economics as there are considerations that should be made for a moral compass to guide one's studies.

The Boundaries of Technique is part of the Studies in Ethics and Economics series from the Acton Institute and is published by Lexington Books. The book was provided to me for review through Mind and Media. No other consideration was received for this review.