Economic solutions are possible in a democratic society only when all alternatives are considered.
With the recent resurgence of Conservative ideology, the reemergence of union militancy, and the rise of the post-Soviet Left, the application of economic theory to issues of public policy reflects a range of choice from Conservative to Liberal to Radical. Whenever possible, for most issues, a Conservative, a Liberal, and a Radical analysis will be presented. A vigorous defense of laissez-faire and capitalism may be followed by a program for the elimination or modification of the market economy. In the real world, people defend their positions in terms of economic logic, but behind the proofs lies their political and ideological view of the world. Since the course presents a range of perspectives on sensitive issues, it should provoke disagreement, controversy, and discussion.