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19 - Expert or Idealist?

from Part IV - The Limits of Expertise

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 June 2021

Erwin Dekker
Affiliation:
Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
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Summary

Chapter 19 concludes the book and analyzes the importance of the notion of synthesis for Tinbergen. Synthesis for him was a unity in moral and scientific perspective, and he admired most those economists and social reformers who were able to combine scientific insight with moral vision and practical action. The chapter analyzes the extent to which Tinbergen’s own work and efforts represent such a synthesis. It is suggested that his personal goals of peace and harmony were only partially integrated with his scientific economics. These elements coexisted, which meant that he left a fragmented legacy. His contributions to scientific expertise and its institutionalization, however, had the most long-lasting influence. And although expertise proved hard to combine with his own high-minded idealism, it is demonstrated that what attracted economists like Tinbergen to a role as policy expert was precisely the belief that social goals could be pursued through economic policy. The goal for control through rational planning of economic policy also fitted his personality well, and thus best captures the Tinbergen synthesis.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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  • Expert or Idealist?
  • Erwin Dekker, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
  • Book: Jan Tinbergen (1903–1994) and the Rise of Economic Expertise
  • Online publication: 11 June 2021
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108856546.024
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  • Expert or Idealist?
  • Erwin Dekker, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
  • Book: Jan Tinbergen (1903–1994) and the Rise of Economic Expertise
  • Online publication: 11 June 2021
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108856546.024
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Expert or Idealist?
  • Erwin Dekker, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
  • Book: Jan Tinbergen (1903–1994) and the Rise of Economic Expertise
  • Online publication: 11 June 2021
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108856546.024
Available formats
×