FREAKONOMICS An introduction

What is an economist? A person who works in the field of economics. Economics is the science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, or the material welfare of humankind.

Steven Levitt—the economist Professor of economics at the University of Chicago Best known for his work in linking economics to crime Winner of John Bates Clark medal awarded “to the American economist under the age of forty who is adjudged to have made a significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge.”

Stephen Dubner—a journalist Former writer and editor at the New York Times Magazine Taught English at Columbia University

About the book Pop culture meets economics Sold over 4 million copies worldwide Adds sociology in the mix Utilizes the concept of data mining to uncover hidden truths about society Data mining is a process of translating large amounts of data to find connections between types of information that don’t seem to be related.

Freakonomics as argument You can expect: Heavy logos (this is about numbers…) Some pathos (humor, most often) Some ethos (credible speakers) The study of incentives: Freakonomics » Videos