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  • © 2019

Qualitative Economics

The Science of Economics

  • Proposes a qualitative approach to economics
  • Combines concepts of philosophy and science to form a cohesive argument for economics being approached as a science itself
  • Applies the neo-classical paradigm to contemporary markets to show that it is inefficient when applied to today's markets

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Table of contents (11 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xx
  2. Overview of Qualitative Economics (QE)

    • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
    Pages 1-11
  3. Philosophy of Science and the Lifeworld Traditions

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 13-13
    2. The Case for Rethinking the Foundation of Business Economics

      • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
      Pages 15-27
    3. Understanding the Organization of Science

      • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
      Pages 29-77
    4. History of Lifeworld Traditions

      • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
      Pages 79-140
    5. Mead and Blumer: Social Theory and Symbolic Interactionism

      • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
      Pages 141-182
  4. Science of Economics Through Linguistics

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 183-183
    2. The Study of Qualitative Economics

      • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
      Pages 185-196
    3. The Science of Qualitative Economics

      • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
      Pages 197-228
    4. Methodological and Theoretical Constructs

      • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
      Pages 229-248
    5. Linguistics as a Science

      • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
      Pages 249-285
    6. Everyday Economic Life

      • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
      Pages 287-331
    7. Summary and Conclusions

      • Woodrow W. Clark II, Michael Fast
      Pages 333-343
  5. Back Matter

    Pages 345-384

About this book

This book provides a new paradigm of economics that is called Qualitative Economics. The authors take an approach to economics that is entirely different from the established neo-classical economics paradigm. Arguing that the basis of neo-classical economic theory with its focus on perfect information in a balanced equilibrium system of supply and demand is fundamentally flawed, the authors propose an inclusive philosophical and scientific perspective to explain economic structures and activities and how best to understand the dynamics of economics.

Furthermore, the authors argue that a qualitative approach allows for greater understanding of not only the actors, actions and situations in economics, but also defines the context in which the more traditional quantitative and statistical methods are applied. The book includes case studies to further illustrate the applications of qualitative economics. Challenging orthodox paradigms and schools of economic thought, the book proposes a new way of looking at economics, and as such will be of use to researchers and students of economics, business, social sciences and the sciences as well as think tanks and advocacy groups interested in heterodox economics.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Managing Director and Qualitative Economist, Clark Strategic Partners, Beverly Hills, USA

    Woodrow W. Clark II

  • Member Research Network ORCA, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    Michael Fast

About the authors

Woodrow W. Clark II, MA3, PhD

Clark is an internationally recognized, respected expert, author, lecturer, public speaker and consultant on global and local solutions to climate change. His core focus is on economics for smart green healthy communities. He is now (2018) Research Professor in Economics at Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business (PGSB). From 2000-2003, Clark was Advisor, Renewable Energy, Emerging Technologies & Finance to California Governor Gray Davis. In 2004, Clark founded, and manages Clark Strategic Partners (CSP), a global environmental and renewable energy consulting firm.

Clark has published over a dozen books by the end of 2017 and over 70 peer-reviewed articles, which reflect his concern for global sustainable green communities. He has authored and edited books such as The Next Economics (Springer, 2012) and Global Sustainable Communities Handbook (Elsevier, 2014). In addition, his latest co-authored books, with Grant Cooke,are The Green Industrial Revolution (Elsevier, 2014), Green Development Paradigm (in Mandarin, 2015) and Smart Green Cities (Routledge, February 2016). In 2017, Clark had three (3) books published, 2nd Ed of his first book: Agile Energy Systems: Global Systems (Elsevier Press) and 2nd Ed of Sustainable Communities Design Handbook (Elsevier Press 2017).

Three more books are out in 2018: Climate Preservation (Elsevier Press) and Qualitative Economics 2nd Ed (Springer Press). Then later in fall of 2018, Economics as a Science: Qualitative and Quantitative Economics (Q2E) from Palgrave Press. And in 2019, Sustainable Mega Cities (Elsevier Press).


Michael Fast, MSc, PhD

Fast has been working in the field of business economics for more than 30 years, with a focus in research and teaching in organizational sociology, leadership philosophy, philosophy of science, methodology and qualitative methods. He is Research group leader of ORCA (Organizational Renewal Creativity Applied), Former member of the Study Board Business and Economics, and Program coordinator of the BSc program in Economics Business and Administration. Former vice head of Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University. He had and is supervising Ph.D. fellows in those fields.

Fast has published articles and book in all above mention areas, whit focuses up on qualitative perspective as Phenomenology, Hermeneutics, Symbolic Interactionism and Critical Theory. Central have been the matter of understanding people and organizations, leadership, being, cognition and everyday of life in business. He had all the time tried to develop the philosophical consciousness in writing and teaching of business economics, and develop alternatives to mainstream thinking.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book USD 119.99
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