Applications of lessons from the history of economic thought to actual policy problems

The roundtable, convened to celebrate the 25th ESHET conference, asked how the history of economic thought can become relevant for actual economic policy. Schefold begins with methodological remarks and illustrates the general theme by showing how the policies of ordoliberalism involve a dialogue between postulates formulated in the past and revaluations made necessary by new conditions. Von Weizsäcker proposes an economic policy based on a new Hicksian reconstruction and extension of Böhm-Bawerks theory. Maes shows how modern central banks do historical research which may induce them to take some distance from ongoing research and to avoid a “this time is different” view. Boianovsky provides highlights of the history of development economics and its policy implications. Feldman uses history of economic thought to find solutions for recurrent balance-of-payments crises affecting peripheral economies.