Keynesian: Keynesian resources

[ghotiblue]

I have become very intrigued by Austrian economics after learning of the school through Ron Paul's campaign. I have just recently read Hazlitt's "Economics in One Lesson" and "Economic Policy" by Mises, and have also been watching videos online of speakers from the Mises Institute. I am planning on jumping into some deeper Mises books soon, but was thinking it would be good to get a little more understand of the other side first.

The more I study about Austrian theory, the more confused I become as to how Keynesian economists could possibly (rationally) think their policies will work. The arguments laid out on the Austrian side are very clear and seem self-evident in most cases. Since the majority of economists today are Keynesian (as well as our current policies, unfortunately), it seems like there must be some big thing that I'm just not seeing. How could so many very intelligent people be so confused on something that they have spent their lives studying? I am definitely not saying that I will just defer to them and assume they're right because they're experts, I just would like to better understand their point of view. Austrian economics seems obvious to me, but I like to look at a problem from all angles.

So, all that to say... this might not be the best place to ask for resources on Keynesian economics, but could anyone recommend any books that provide good systematic, rational arguments for Keynesian economics (if such a thing exists), or a Keynesian rebuttal of the Austrian school of thought? Preferably, an introductory, intermediate, and more advanced book to accompany my study of Austrian economics.

Thanks in advance.

 

[americana]

Its just my guess that economists saw an opportunity to con the govt into letting them have jobs by promising some type of witch-doctor magic that could benefit the economy. Because really, if you are an austrian what jobs can you hold. Teaching, writing etc. Keyn economists want to be involved aka screw shit up.

 

[talent scout]

"Eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die"

Is what he believed in.

John Maynard Keynes:

But this long run is a misleading guide to current affairs. In the long run we are all dead.



This idea is popular with selfish people, live big today and pass the debt onto the next generation, won't matter to us, we will be dead.


As good an explanation as any I guess

 

[ghotiblue]

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking I'll start at the source and read "The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money" by Keynes. Any other recommendations?

 

[theoakman]

One of the great mysteries of the 20th century is how the public every bought into the bullshit that is Keynesian economics. I can understand why the government bought into it. If you tell them spending money is a good thing, of course they will support it. But come on, the general public should no better and you would think that several examples of disastrous results in this countries recent history would at least enforce the idea.