Question

Suppose that Dmitri, an economist from an AM talk radio program, and Frances, an economist from a school of industrial relations, are arguing over saving incentives. The following dialogue shows an excerpt from their debate:
Caroline: The usefulness of government intervention in the economy is a long-standing issue that economists continue to debate.
Antonio: I feel that government involvement in the economy should be reduced because government programs cause more harm than good.
Caroline: While I do agree that government programs can be inefficient, I really think they are necessary to help the less fortunate.
1. The disagreement between these economists is most likely due to
a. differences in values
b. differences in scientific judgement
c.differences in perception verse reality.
2. Despite their differences, with which proposition are two economists chosen at random most likely to agree?
a. Lawyers make up an excessive percentage of elected officials.
b. Minimum wage laws do more to harm low-skilled workers than help them.
c. Tariffs and import quotas generally reduce economic welfare.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. The disagreement between these economists is most likely due to

a. differences in values

2. Despite their differences, with which proposition are two economists chosen at random most likely to agree?

a. Lawyers make up an excessive percentage of elected officials.

Explanation:

Economists chosen at random do not usually agree on economic events and realities, instead, they are more likely to agree on issues that are not economic.  They offer differing opinions based on similar principles.  Most of their disagreements stem from differences in what they place their values on.  Some value market-oriented approaches while others value government interventions in market situations, with other variants in-between.