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  • © 2017

Time and Economics

The Concept of Functional Time

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Explains the concept of functional time and describes how it is measured
  • Shows that it is possible to apply the understanding of time formulated within the framework of modern physics and philosophy when considering the time dimension of economic activity
  • Provides the theoretical and mathematical description of the phenomena analogous to the dilation of time and the contraction of lengths in physics within the economic framework
  • Illustrates how such an understanding of time is reflected in the consideration of time periods in which economic activity takes place

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Table of contents (14 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxiii
  2. Introduction

    • Željko Rohatinski
    Pages 1-10
  3. Part I

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 11-12
    2. Time as an Objective Category

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 13-27
    3. Time as a Subjective Category

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 29-42
  4. Part II

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 43-43
    2. Historical Character

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 45-54
    3. Circular Character

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 55-63
    4. Components and Course

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 65-71
    5. Causal Relations

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 73-79
    6. Structural Relations

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 81-95
    7. Equilibrium Relations

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 97-113
    8. Modelling Economic Activity

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 115-123
  5. Part III

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 125-126
    2. Functional Time

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 127-144
    3. The Relative Character of Functional Time

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 145-161
    4. The Time Determination of Economic Activity

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 163-190
    5. Concluding Remarks

      • Željko Rohatinski
      Pages 191-202
  6. Back Matter

    Pages 203-259

About this book

This book links the philosophical perception of time and Einstein’s theory of special relativity to economic processes, showing that the phenomena of time dilation and length contraction seen in physics can be identified within – and adapted to – an economic framework. The author expands on Marx’s model of reproduction with the additional variable of time, which is represented as a relative or functional category. In addition to allowing a more precise understanding of both static and dynamic relations between economic systems, this concept examines approaches to time proposed by Smith, Marshall and Keynes, and challenges the equilibrium and disequilibrium economic models. Rohatinski suggests that by understanding the differences in economic activity perceived across different time periods we are better able to influence that activity at micro- and macroeconomic levels. 

Authors and Affiliations

  • Zagreb, Croatia

    Željko Rohatinski

About the author

Željko Rohatinski is a Croatian macroeconomist and former Croatian National Bank Governor. He has worked in government administration, commercial banking, economic institutes and the corporate sector. In 2008, Rohatinski was named ‘The Best Central Bank Governor in the World’ and ‘The Best Central Bank Governor in Europe’ by The Financial Times-owned The Banker magazine.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access