The Economics of Sin: Rational Choice or No Choice at All [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Samuel Cameron (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1840648678 | ISBN-13: 978-1840648676 | Publication Date: January 2003 | Edition: illustrated edition

"The Economics of Sin" examines the definition and evolution of sin from the perspective of rational choice economics, yet is conscious of the limitations of such an approach. The author argues that because engaging in activities deemed to be sinful is an act of choice, it can therefore be subject to the logic of choice in the economic model. The book considers the formation of religions, including the new age revival of "wicca", as regulators of the quasi-market in sins, and goes on to the role of specific sins such as lying, envy, jealousy, greed, lust, sloth and waste in individual markets and in macroeconomic activity. Empirical evidence on issues such as cannibalism, capital punishment, addiction, adultery and prostitution is also explored. Samuel Cameron concludes that a large percentage of economic activity is intimately connected with forms of sin which are in some circumstances highly beneficial to the functioning of markets, particularly in the presence of market failure. This study of the institution of sin should be of great interest to a wide-ranging readership, including researchers and teachers of economics, sociology and theology. It should also be of importance to anthropologists and philosophers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An original, innovative, ground-breaking, interdisciplinary study, The Economics of Sin is scholarly and very highly recommended reading. -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Samuel Cameron, Reader in Economics, Bradford Centre for International Development, University of Bradford, UK

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Pub; illustrated edition edition (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840648678
• ISBN-13: 978-1840648676
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,395,254 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A ground-breaking, interdisciplinary study, April 18, 2003

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Economics of Sin: Rational Choice or No Choice at All (Hardcover)

The Economics Of Sin: Rational Choice Or No Choice At All? by Samuel Cameron (Reader in Economics in the Bradford Centre for International Development at the University of Bradford, United Kingdom) is surveys and analysis the evolution of "sin" from the perspective of rational choice economics. Economist Samuel Cameron considers the formation of religions (including the New Age revival of Wicca) as regulators of the quasi-market in sins and appraise the economic role of lying, envy, jealous, greed, lust, sloth, and waste in individual markets and in macroeconomic activity. An original, innovative, ground-breaking, interdisciplinary study, The Economics Of Sin is scholarly and very highly recommended reading for students of Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, and Religion.