The lecture, titled "Making Economic Concepts Fit for Public Action," is set to unravel the intricate world of economic concepts and measurements and their profound implications on citizens' lives and the political landscape.
In an era where economic decisions shape the quality of life for people around the world, understanding the nuances of economic concepts such as 'poverty,' 'development,' and 'national income' is pivotal. Professor Mary S Morgan's lecture will delve into the process of measuring these concepts, shedding light on the challenges of integrating diverse data sources into coherent measurements. This is not merely a technical issue – how 'poverty,' 'development,' and 'national income' are conceptualized and measured have tangible impacts on individuals' well-being and society at large.
The talk will explore how the interpretation and application of these measurements hold the power to influence governmental policies, corporate strategies, and individual actions. Professor Morgan will shed light on these complex measurements and discuss what needs to be done so that they can be used for public good.
Imagine if we could all participate in discussions about economic growth, poverty and inequality armed with a better understanding of how these concepts are measured. It would enable us, as citizens, to critically evaluate policies, demand transparency, and ensure that our leaders are making informed decisions for the betterment of our society. Professor Morgan's talk will facilitate this understanding.
The lecture is a part of the ReSES Argumenta Distinguished Lectures series, an initiative led by the Rethinking the Serviceability of Economics to Society (ReSES) project. Supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the ReSES project strives to redefine the role of economics in addressing contemporary challenges and shaping a more equitable future.
Streaming link: For those unable to attend in person, the lecture will be streamed online (link: https://www.reses-argumenta.fi). A recording will be available on Youtube a few weeks after the event.
About Professor Mary S. Morgan:
Mary S. Morgan is the Albert O. Hirschman Professor of History and Philosophy of Economics at the London School of Economics; she is an elected Fellow of the British Academy; an Overseas Fellow of the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences; and is currently President of the Royal Economic Society (2023-24). She has published widely on social scientists’ practices of modelling, observing, measuring, and making case studies; and has long-standing interests in tracing how social science research is used to effect change in the world. She has just completed an ERC team project on ‘Narrative Science’ investigating the functions of narratives across the natural, human and social sciences.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Anita Välikangas / Coordinator / anita.valikangas@helsinki.fi