Workshop in Philosophy, Politics and Economics

George Mason University philosophy professors want to show students the different connections between politics, philosophy and economics. Dr. Peter Boettke, an economics professor at Mason, said the school’s weekly seminar touching on all three areas will integrate the topics. “Increased specialization in these subjects has isolated them from what they were in the past,” said Boettke, who hopes to bring the fields closer together.

Boettke obtained his Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University, has taught economics for 12 years and is a winner of the Gold Dozen Teaching Award from New York University. His open discussion on politics, philosophy, and economics occurs weekly during the school year. Boettke wants to make students realize the potential and criticism of the fields, and then use the knowledge to help write their theses.

The main guest speaker for last week’s session was Dr. Tara Smith, a professor from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been teaching for 21 years and expresses to students the deeper value of philosphy. “Most of the students are writing papers for their theses, so this interaction gives them a second-hand perspective,” said Boettke.

Students interact with Smith and other teachers to develop and present their own ideas. An updated schedule for the meetings can be found at: http://www.gmu.edu/depts/economics/pboettke/workshop/workshop_s10.html