Public Economics - Principles and Practice

By Peter Abelson

Download Chapter 1: Foundations of Public Economics (301 Kb PDF)

Click here to see book contents.

The cover of the book, Public Economics - Principles and Practice, depicts an image from a chess game, chosen because public economics often seems to be about moving the pieces from one place to another. The book is also about the rules of the gamežin particular the rules for markets. But if the government does not like the outcome of the game that it has designed, it does indeed move the pieces around as it seeks to achieve its preferred outcome. Public economics is about both the rules of economic activity and the allocation of resources to achieve socially preferred outcomes.

Public Economics - principles and practice, shows how economic analysis can be applied to a wide range of public policy issues dealing with public expenditure and taxation, social welfare and market regulation. The book describes the basic principles of public economics but also describes many policy applications in Australia and internationally. It is written for undergraduate students in public finance and public economics courses and for graduate students studying public administration and public policy.

Some books are published when they are finished. Others are published when the market needs them. This book is in the latter category. Publication could not be delayed. Despite its length, or perhaps because of it, Public Economics - Principles and Practice is a work in progress. Peter plans to continue to improve and develop the book in various ways, including some chapters on taxation applications, for a 2005 edition. He would be most grateful for any comments or suggestions from readers.

To obtain a copy of the book please contact Peter Abelson via email at: pabelson@appliedeconomics.com.au