G.D.N. Worswick

G.D.N. Worswick (George David Norman Worswick or simply David Worswick) (1916–2001) was an Oxford economist specialising in understanding of the UK's economy from a Keynesian perspective.[1][2]

Whilst mathematically well trained, like Alfred Marshall, he became dubious about the use of mathematics in economics arguing against those who tried to avoid the difficult parts of economic problems by resorting to solvable simple equations.[1] He was also critical of econometricians arguing that: they are not, it seems to me, engaged in forging tools to arrange and measure actual facts so much as making a marvellous array of pretend-tools which would perform wonders if ever a set of facts should turn up in the right form. Thus what was said above about the detached mathematical nature of much economic theory also goes for some econometric theory as well. But he counterbalances these criticisms by arguing that econometrics has been a powerful force in bringing economic theory back into touch with reality.[3]

Career

Awards and prestigious academic posts

FBA 1979; CBE 1981; President, Royal Economic Society 1982-84;[1]

Other sources

Obituary - Royal Economic Society Newsletter Issue no. 114 July 2001

Key publications[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 McMahon, Kit (2001) Obituary: David Worswick The Independent, Friday, 25 May
  2. 1 2 Kit Jones (1988) Research 1938-88 Fifty Years of Economic Research: a Brief History of the National Institute of Economic and Social, National Institute Economic Review 1988; 124; 36
  3. Worswick, G. D. N. (1972) Is Progress in Economic Science Possible? The Economic Journal, Vol. 82, No. 325, Mar., pp. 73-86
  4. Blanchflower, D.,(1993). Review of Unemployment: A Problem of Policy: Analysis of British Experience and Prospects. Journal of Economic Literature, 31, 4, 1979-1980.
  5. Knight, K. G., (1994). Review of Unemployment A Problem of Policy: Analysis of British Experience and Prospects. The Economic Journal, 104, 422, 167-168.


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