Interesting Questions in Freakonomics

Author: DiNardo, John

Source: Journal of Economic Literature, Volume 45, Number 4, December 2007 , pp. 973-1000(28)

Publisher: American Economic Association

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Abstract:

Freakonomics is more about "entertainment" than it is a serious attempt at popularization. Consequently, rather than conduct a comprehensive fact check, I use the book as a springboard for a broader inquiry into social science research and take issue with the book's surprising premise that "Economics is a science with excellent tools for gaining answers but a serious shortage of interesting questions." Using examples from Freakonomics, I argue that some of the questions the book addresses are "uninteresting" because it is impossible to even imagine what a good answer would look like. I conclude with some thoughts about the role of economic theory in generating interesting questions and/or answers.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1257/002205107783216547

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