Talk:Economics

Contemporary economics uses mathematics. Economists draw on the tools of calculus, linear algebra, statistics, game theory, and computer science.[200] Professional economists are expected to be familiar with these tools, while a minority specialize in econometrics and mathematical methods. 2604:3D09:D78:1000:F6F4:8026:BB0B:458D (talk) 06:10, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

What is unclear about it? Remsense诉 06:14, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

The minority part. "Mathematical methods" is vague -all economists use mathematical methods. Econometrics is the application of statistics to economic data -again, all economists do this. Jonathan f1 (talk) 05:11, 29 January 2025 (UTC)

Hi, I think the lead can be written a bit more intuitively, or at the very least have the intuitive writing first, and page links with technical language in brackets.

I think there also needs to be paragraph summarising the history section, which summarises ancient study, classical, a separation into Marxian, then back to Keynesian, monetarist, and list the main modern day innovations/fringes like humanistic (the page for it needs to be edited to add the alternative humanistic proposals to homo economicus) and others. Alexanderkowal (talk) 15:35, 21 June 2024 (UTC)

I dont think the fringes deserve mention in the lead tbh VineFynn (talk) 02:38, 22 June 2024 (UTC)

Yeah good point, but the body could include some more Alexanderkowal (talk) 09:59, 22 June 2024 (UTC)

I think the use of mathematics and models intended to capture reality and relationships between phenomenon needs to be mentioned Alexanderkowal (talk) 10:33, 22 June 2024 (UTC)

@Moxy I just thought the quote provided a less technical definition that will be intuitive to a lot of readers. I also think "with emphasis on autonomous market forces" should be in the lede because that isn't made clear since there isn't a separation between agents and elements. I also think there should be a paragraph summarising the history/progression of economics, and economics imperialism should be mentioned at the end because there's a lot of controversy around it within academia and we might be violating WP:NPOV Alexanderkowal (talk) 20:21, 25 June 2024 (UTC)

The lead is essentially focused on the real economy but makes no mention of financial economics (except to mention finance as one of many fields where economic analysis is used). I think the bigger issue is that the lead should be more generalized to explain what it is economics is all about, whether financial, labor or international economics -it's the study of how resources (eg capital, credit, land, human labor, etc.) may be efficiently allocated under constraints (ie scarcity). This generalized definition applies to all areas of economics and can lead into a discussion of two more generalized concepts: decision making (how individuals, businesses or governments decide to use scarce resources) and markets (what role markets play in allocating resources). Jonathan f1 (talk) 05:45, 29 January 2025 (UTC)

"Real economy" is the right focus to have; finance is essentially an abstraction.

I think the first line, “Economics is a social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services," describes "the study of how resources (eg capital, credit, land, human labor, etc.) may be efficiently allocated under constraints (ie scarcity)" fairly well. "Under constraints" is unnecessary in the sense that all things are done and studied under constraints. Its good to discuss further but unnecessary for a lead.

"Decision making" is covered under the links to behavioral econ and such, likewise markets is also linked. Phoenix2448 (talk) 14:06, 26 February 2026 (UTC)

The redirect Scientific capitalism has been listed at redirects for discussion to determine whether its use and function meets the redirect guidelines. Readers of this page are welcome to comment on this redirect at [[Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion/Log/2026 January 4#Remaining redirects created by User:Anti gozo|Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion/Log/2026 January 4 § Remaining redirects created by User:Anti gozo]] until a consensus is reached. I₂Overcome ^talk 02:30, 4 January 2026 (UTC)

I don't have my sources with me to add it right now, but the History of economic thought section is completely lacking any Asian (or really any non-Western) thought. From my own limited research I know China was recording economic thought before Christ, and I've read of Islamic economic contributions made around 1000 AD. I know a Western bias is typical but feel there are relevant additions to make here, especially for a field so dominated by the mainstream. I'm happy to take a crack at it once I have my materials. Phoenix2448 (talk) 14:11, 26 February 2026 (UTC)

Once you've got your sources in hand, go for it. _signed, Rosguill ^talk 14:50, 26 February 2026 (UTC)