Angus Deaton: A Skeptical Optimist Wins the Economics Nobel
Over the years, the Swedes have often honored conservative economists who believe in the free market and who criticize well-meaning government programs. More recently, the prize has also gone to scholars who query market forces, such as George Akerlof and Robert Shiller. Deaton’s work can be cited by both sides of the markets-versus-intervention debate. (In a 2014 post, I took issue with some of his approach to inequality.) But inside the field of economics, few question his credentials or his commitment to scholarship.