Teaching open-system economics

Citation

Dow S (2013) Teaching open-system economics. In: Jespersen J & Madsen M (eds.) Teaching Post-Keynesian Economics. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp. 73-87. http://www.e-elgar.co.uk/bookentry_main.lasso?id=15414

Abstract
The different approaches to economics can be understood in terms of whether economics is understood in terms of a closed system or, if an open system, which type of open system. This paper considers what is implied for teaching, when an open-system approach is taken. Focusing on issues of communication and persuasion, we consider the relative attractions of closed-system and open-system material for students as well as for teachers. The problems with open-system material are analysed in relation to the problem of uncertainty more generally. Just as we adopt coping mechanisms with respect to uncertainty, we can develop coping mechanisms in economics education.