This textbook provides a comprehensive and unique introduction to modern microeconomics. It adopts an integrative approach, positioning the main findings of economics in a broader context. It critically reflects on theories from a philosophical standpoint and compares them to approaches found in the social sciences, while at the same time highlighting the implications for the design of legal systems and business practices.Intended for undergraduate students, the book presents brief examples and comprehensive case studies to help them grasp the real-world implications of the theories. As such, it is suitable for an applied, yet technically precise approach to teaching microeconomics, as well as for a critical review of the economic mainstream. Starting from the question as to why and how societies organize economic activity, it analyzes the potential and limitations of various types of market with regard to alleviating scarcity and achieving distributive objectives, from an institutional perspective.

This second edition systematically expands on decision theory by including chapters on traditional decision theory under risk and uncertainty, and on behavioral economics, as well as a chapter presenting findings from the neurosciences, evolutionary psychology, and narrative psychology. Furthermore, there are theoretical additions, along with updated case studies and examples - from trade wars to pandemics and the climate crisis.

A new edition of the companion workbook features a wealth of exercises, ranging from basic multiple-choice questions to challenging mathematical problems and case studies, is also available.

Autorentext

Martin Kolmar is Professor of Economics and Director of the Institute for Business Ethics at the University of St. Gallen. He studied Economics in Bonn and Berkeley and holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Konstanz. His research interests range from Institutional and Behavioral to Normative Economics and Philosophy. He is especially interested in the evolutionary, psychological and neuroscientific foundations of behaviour and well-being.

Inhalt

Introduction: First Principles.- Gains from Trade.- A Primer in Markets and Institutions: Introduction.- Supply and Demand Under Perfect Competition.- Normative Economics.- Externalities and the Limits of Markets.- Foundations of Demand and Supply: Decisions and Consumer Behavior.- Costs.- Firm Behavior and Industrial Organization: A Second Look at Firm Behavior Under Perfect Competition.- Firm Behavior in Monopolistic Markets.- Principles of Game Theory.- Firm Behavior in Oligopolistic Markets.- Appendix: A Case Study.- Mathematical Appendix.