On the efficient use of mathematics in economics: results of an attitude survey of British economists

Abstract

The use of mathematics in Economics has grown significantly over the post-war period. Little research effort has been expended in evaluating professional attitudes to this growth. Given the importance of mathematics in economic research and in economist's training, the issue warrants consideration. This paper investigates the attitude of British economists to the use of mathematics in economics. It reports the results of a survey of academic economists in British Universities and contrasts the results with those of a similar exercise in the United States.