
Graham B. answered 03/06/23
Assistant Professor of Economics
The neoclassical school of economics emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the perceived limitations of classical economics. The major tenets of the neoclassical school include:
- Marginalism: Neoclassical economists focused on marginal analysis, which examines the small changes in costs and benefits of producing an additional unit of a good or service. This approach allows economists to understand how individuals and firms make decisions based on their preferences and constraints.
- Utility: Neoclassical economists developed the concept of utility, which refers to the satisfaction or happiness that an individual derives from consuming a good or service. They believed that individuals seek to maximize their utility by making rational choices based on the marginal cost and benefit of consuming different goods.
- Supply and demand: Neoclassical economists developed the concept of supply and demand, which explains how the market equilibrium is determined by the intersection of the supply and demand curves. They believed that the market mechanism is efficient and allocates resources to their most valued uses.
- Efficiency: Neoclassical economists emphasized the importance of efficiency in the allocation of resources, meaning that resources should be allocated in a way that maximizes social welfare. They believed that the market mechanism is efficient in achieving this goal, and that government intervention in markets should be limited.
- Free trade: Neoclassical economists advocated for free trade and opposed protectionism. They believed that free trade leads to economic growth and efficiency, as it allows countries to specialize in producing goods in which they have a comparative advantage.
Overall, the neoclassical school of economics had a significant impact on modern economic thinking and remains influential in shaping economic policy.