ECON 7080: Principles of Economics

Explore the fundamental concept of scarcity in economics. Understand the tension between our infinite desires and the finite resources we have. Grasp how scarcity influences our choices, necessitating trade-offs in everyday decisions.

Distinguish between positive and normative economic statements with real-world examples. Grasp the difference between objective explanations and value judgments in economics. Master the foundations of economic thought and their application.

Explore the multifaceted role of economists in society, their interpretation of complex economic data, and how they provide guidance to decision-makers. Discover why economists may offer conflicting advice due to varying economic theories, data interpretation, personal values, and political ideologies.

Explore the fundamental concept of the circular-flow diagram in economics, which simplifies the intricate interactions between households and firms. Includes examples illustrating how money, labor, and services flow between these economic actors.

Explore the concept of government-created monopolies, which are entities granted exclusive rights, like licenses, patents, and copyrights. While they can promote innovation and efficiently operate in high-cost industries, they might also introduce inefficiencies and stifle competition. Weighing the pros and cons is essential.

This video explores the causes of lags in the impact of monetary and fiscal policy on aggregate demand, drawing analogies to recognizing seasonal changes, adjusting cooking temperatures, and waiting for planted seeds to grow, and discusses the implications of these lags for the debate between active and passive economic policy approaches.