George Stigler était un économiste américain de premier plan et une figure majeure de l'École de Chicago en économie. Ses travaux ont examiné de manière critique les réglementations économiques, explorant leurs impacts et leurs conséquences dans le monde réel. Les recherches de Stigler se sont penchées sur les manifestations pratiques des théories économiques et leurs effets sur la société.
The book explores the complex relationship between intellectuals and the marketplace, examining how ideas and culture interact with economic forces. It delves into the challenges faced by thinkers in a commercialized society, questioning the value of intellectual pursuits in a market-driven world. Through various perspectives, it highlights the tension between creativity and commerce, ultimately encouraging a reflection on the role of intellectuals in shaping society.
The Organization of Industry collects essays written over two decades—pieces prepared especially for this volume, previously unpublished material, and reprinted articles drawn from numerous sources, many which include additional commentary by the author. The essays are unified by George J. Stigler's careful analysis and by his clear and witty style.In part one, Stigler examines the nature of competition and monopoly. In part two he discusses the forces that determine the size structure of industry, including barriers to entry, economics of scale, and mergers. Part three contains articles on a wide range of topics, such as profitability, delivered price systems, block booking, the economics of information, and the kinky oligopoly demand curve and rigid price. Part four offers a discussion of antitrust policy and includes Stigler's recommendations for future policy as well as an examination of the effects of past policies."Stigler's writings might well be subtitled 'The Joys of Doing Economics.' He, more than any other contemporary American economist, dispels the gloom surrounding economic theory. It is impossible to confront the subject treated with such humor and verve and come away still believing that economics is the dismal science."—Shirley B. Johnson, American Scholar