Economics society hosts talk on how our modern world was shaped

In front of a large crowd, the George Mason University Economics Society, in collaboration with the Mercatus Center, hosted a talk by Professor Deirdre McCloskey at the Johnson Center Cinema on Wednesday. 

McCloskey, a distinguished Professor of Economics, History, English and Communication at the University of Illinois, Chicago presented a talk on the second volume of her six part series “Bourgeois Dignity: Why Economics Can’t Explain the Modern World.” After the talk students were encouraged to participate in a question and answer session and were then invited to a social at Brion’s Grille.

McCloskey said that the current state of the world was not a result of the changing economic climate but rather due to the fact that opinions on commerce, the private sector and the middle class were becoming more positive, allowing for nations to become more innovative, and therefore wealthier.

The event which had over 100 people in attendance was deemed a success by GMU Economics Society president Liya Palagashvili.

“[Everyone] seemed to enjoy it. The Q & A session was dynamic and people kept asking questions . . . I think they really enjoyed her and she really enjoys talking to the students,” said Palagashvili.

According to Palagashvili the Economics Society was contacted about a month ago by the Mercatus Center, a GMU-based research center that focuses on public policy and academia, offering to have McCloskey present at Mason, and the group eagerly accepted.

“I think she [McCloskey] provides a unique perspective to economics. Most people think economics is money and banking and finance, and she adds this different dynamic to it—cultural ideas . . . and I think it gives a different way to look at economics.”

To watch the talk on the Mercatus Center's website click here.