12 episodes
60-Second Adventures in Economics - for iPod/iPhone The Open University
-
- Education
-
-
4.0 • 28 Ratings
-
Ever shaken an invisible hand? Been flattened by a falling market? Or wondered what took the bend out of Phillips' curve? David Mitchell helps reveal some of the great dilemmas faced by governments trying to run an economy - whether to save or spend, control inflation, regulate trade, fix exchange rates, or just leave everyone to get on with it and not intervene. You'll learn why Adam Smith put such a high price on free markets, how Keynes found a bold new way to reduce unemployment, and what economists went on to discover about the impact of policy on people's and businesses' behaviour - which may not always be entirely rational...
-
- video
The Invisible Hand
Economist, Adam Smith, used the term The Invisible Hand to describe the self-regulating nature of the market place - a core concept for so-called free-marketeers.
-
Transcript -- The Invisible Hand
Economist, Adam Smith, used the term The Invisible Hand to describe the self-regulating nature of the market place - a core concept for so-called free-marketeers.
-
- video
The Paradox of Thrift
The Paradox of Thrift suggests that while it may be wise for an individual to save money when income is low and job prospects are precarious, it could be collectively disastrous if everyone is thrifty together.
-
Transcript -- The Paradox of Thrift
The Paradox of Thrift suggests that while it may be wise for an individual to save money when income is low and job prospects are precarious, it could be collectively disastrous if everyone is thrifty together.
-
- video
The Phillips Curve
Bill Phillips' curve has historically been described as an inverse relationship between the rate of unemployment and the rate of wage (and therefore price) inflation - but since his analysis became popular the relationship has changed.
-
Transcript -- The Phillips Curve
Bill Phillips' curve has historically been described as an inverse relationship between the rate of unemployment and the rate of wage (and therefore price) inflation - but since his analysis became popular the relationship has changed.
Customer Reviews
Interesting and Quirky
A very light introduction to some common Economic theories - David Mitchell does a great job narrating the cutesy animations. Anyone with even a mild interest in Economics should take a quick look at these videos.
Fantastic concise nuggets of economic theory voiced by the brilliant David Mitchell
I really enjoyed these short, thoughtful animations. Not having much of a clue about economics this format introduced me to some of the key ideas and big names and the wry voice of David Mitchell is always entertaining.
Top Podcasts In Education
More by The Open University