Philip Mirowski visits CBS

The significance of neoliberalism on the progress of the concept of information economy may not ring a bell to all readers.

But in his presentation on 10 December, Philip Mirowski will enlighten the audience on the connection between and meaning of these two concepts. He is a Carl E. Koch Professor of Economics and Science History and Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame.

Shortly after the financial crisis he wrote in an article that economists had not foreseen the financial crisis because philosophy and history had been removed from the curriculum and replaced with technical models.

Truths
His presentation investigates neoliberalism and information economy and questions the foundation of connections that are accepted as truths today.

For example that a university degree can be evaluated on graduates' employment degree or that knowledge equals human capital. José Ossandón, Assistant Professor and PhD at the Department of Organisation and co-initiator of the event explains:

- This presentation should be interesting to anyone searching for tools for critical reflection on our present conditions. Also for business students, economists and practitioners who are willing to learn about the intellectual sources for many of the ideas they use every day, says José Ossandón.

Natural science and neoliberalism
Since the late 1980s, Philip Mirowski has authored a number of books related to economy. His early work, such as More Heat Than Light (1989) investigated the influence of natural science ideas, methods and metaphors on economists' understanding and assessment of the economy.

In recent years, his research has focused on neoliberalism. Mirowski's latest book, Never Let a Serious Crisis Go to Waste (2013) explains the paradox that the financial crisis did not challenge but instead strengthened market-based policies around the world.

- Philip Mirowski is internationally respected for his vast knowledge on the history of economic ideas. At the same time he is a very straightforward author and speaker, and he does not shy away from public involvement and controversy, says José Ossandón.

He expects a lively debate at the presentation.

You can warm up for the presentation by listening to this interview with Philip Mirowski here

Read more and sign up for the presentation here

The seminar is a cooperation between the Department of Organisation and the CBS Public-Private platform.

Please contact Julie Munk for further information

The presentation ‘Economists as the Prophets of the Information Economy: the Neoliberal Lowdown’ will be held on
10 December at 15:00-17:00 at
Room Ks.48
14A Kilevej
2000 Frederiksberg