Is the Obesity Epidemic a Consequence of Rational Choices?: The Pitfalls of Free Markets
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- Synopsis
- Much of the power of economics as a social science resides in its ability to reveal the logic underlying a wide range of human behaviors. Economists have developed mathematical tools that illuminate the kinds of cost-benefit calculations that influence people's choices. Indeed, economists have even done a good job of highlighting the rational choices that have contributed to something as problematic as the obesity epidemic. In this chapter, Peter Ubel provides a brief history of the theories behind the free market's assumption that obesity, and other harmful conditions and consumer behaviors, are the result of personal choices and, therefore, do not warrant public intervention. This chapter is excerpted from "Free Market Madness: Why Human Nature Is at Odds with Economics--and Why It Matters."
- Copyright:
- 2009
Book Details
- Book Quality:
- Publisher Quality
- Publisher:
- Harvard Business Publishing
- Date of Addition:
- 08/02/16
- Copyrighted By:
- HBS Press
- Adult content:
- No
- Language:
- English
- Has Image Descriptions:
- No
- Categories:
- Nonfiction, Business and Finance
- Submitted By:
- Bookshare Staff
- Usage Restrictions:
- This is a copyrighted book.