Qualitative Economics: The Science of Economics

This book provides a new paradigm of economics that is called: qualitative economics. The authors take an approach to economics that is entirely different from the established neo-classical economics paradigm. Arguing that the basis of neo-classical economic theory with its focus on perfect information in a balanced equilibrium system of supply and demand is fundamentally flawed, the authors propose an inclusive philosophical and scientific perspective to explain economic structures and activities and how best to understand the dynamics of economics.

Furthermore, the authors argue that a qualitative approach allows for greater understanding of not only the actors, actions and situations in economics, but also defines the context in which the more traditional quantitative and statistical methods are applied. The book includes case studies to further illustrate the applications of qualitative economics. Challenging orthodox paradigms and schools of economic thought, the book proposes a new way of looking at economics, and as such will be of use to researchers and students of economics, business, social sciences and the sciences as well as think tanks and advocacy groups interested in heterodox economics.

Woodrow W. Clark II, MA₃, PhD

Clark is an internationally recognized, respected expert, author, lecturer, public speaker and consultant on global and local solutions to climate change. His core focus is on economics for smart green healthy communities. He is now (2018) Research Professor in Economics at Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business (PGSB). From 2000-2003, Clark was Advisor, Renewable Energy, Emerging Technologies & Finance to California Governor Gray Davis. In 2004, Clark founded, and manages Clark Strategic Partners (CSP), a global environmental and renewable energy consulting firm.

Clark has published over a dozen books by the end of 2017 and over 70 peer-reviewed articles, which reflect his concern for global sustainable green communities. He has authored and edited books such as The Next Economics (Springer, 2012) and Global Sustainable Communities Handbook (Elsevier, 2014). In addition, his latest co-authored books, with Grant Cooke, are The Green Industrial Revolution (Elsevier, 2014), Green Development Paradigm (in Mandarin, 2015) and Smart Green Cities (Routledge, February 2016). In 2017, Clark had three (3) books published, 2nd Ed of his first book: Agile Energy Systems: Global Systems (Elsevier Press) and 2nd Ed of Sustainable Communities Design Handbook (Elsevier Press 2017).

Three more books are out in 2018: Climate Preservation (Elsevier Press) and Qualitative Economics 2nd Ed (Springer Press). Then later in fall of 2018, Economics as a Science: Qualitative and Quantitative Economics (Q2E) from Palgrave Press. And in 2019, Sustainable Mega Cities (Elsevier Press).

Michael Fast, MSc, PhD

Fast has been working in the field of business economics for more than 30 years, with a focus in research and teaching in organizational sociology, leadership philosophy, philosophy of science, methodology and qualitative methods. He is Research group leader of ORCA (Organizational Renewal Creativity Applied), Former member of the Study Board Business and Economics, and Program coordinator of the BSc program in Economics Business and Administration. Former vice head of Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University. He had and is supervising Ph.D. fellows in those fields.

Fast has published articles and book in all above mention areas, whit focuses up on qualitative perspective as Phenomenology, Hermeneutics, Symbolic Interactionism and Critical Theory. Central have been the matter of understanding people and organizations, leadership, being, cognition and everyday of life in business. He had all the time tried to develop the philosophical consciousness in writing and teaching of business economics, and develop alternatives to mainstream thinking.