Teaching the principles of economics: A proposal for a multi-paradigmatic approach

The alternative set of economic principles offers a foundation for a principles course that provides a richer understanding of the real economy. Such a course would give students the important grounding in the real world economy they need to understand the complexity of the current economic situation domestically and internationally; such a course integrates the compelling stories and exciting debates that would excite rather than bore the callow undergraduate; such a course includes the important lessons of history that must not be forgotten. Whether the instructor of Principles chooses to build his or her course exclusively around the alternative principles or instead uses them as counterpoints to introduce a multi-paradigmatic and thoughtful survey of major issues, it is certain that students will be more engaged in the subject matter while continuing to increase their capacity for critical thinking.