Social Value: A Study in Economic Theory, Critical and Constructive

This volume offers a thoughtful investigation into the elusive notion of social value, positioning it at the heart of early‑twentieth‑century economic debate. Drawing on the author’s extensive teaching experience and a prize‑winning dissertation, the work surveys the competing ideas that surrounded the quantity theory of money and the lingering “value problem” that textbooks of the day left unresolved. Readers are invited to follow a scholarly dialogue that references the insights of leading economists of the era, without demanding prior expertise.

The study unfolds in three foundational sections that critique existing theories and propose a more coherent framework for understanding value, followed by a fourth part that sketches an ideal monetary system for the United States. Throughout, the author weaves together classroom anecdotes, rigorous analysis, and constructive suggestions, making the material both intellectually rigorous and surprisingly accessible. Listeners intrigued by the history of economic thought, the roots of modern monetary policy, or the interplay between theory and practice will find this exploration both enlightening and engaging.