Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Economics

Major Themes in Economics

Journal

2007

Articles 1 - 7 of 7

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Cover - Table Of Contents Apr 2007

Cover - Table Of Contents

Major Themes in Economics

No abstract provided.


Introduction, Ken Mccormick Apr 2007

Introduction, Ken Mccormick

Major Themes in Economics

No abstract provided.


An Economic Critique Of Birch And Cobb’S The Liberation Of Life, Wei-Erh Chen Apr 2007

An Economic Critique Of Birch And Cobb’S The Liberation Of Life, Wei-Erh Chen

Major Themes in Economics

The discussion concerning humans and the environment has intensified in recent years. Now, more than ever, we must ask how we as economists can engage in a conversation regarding environmentalism when the participants come from a myriad of disciplines. I posit that it is only through an understanding of the other disciplines’ ethics and values that the economist can meaningfully engage in the conversation. This paper is an exercise in this interdisciplinary understanding. First, Charles Birch and John B. Cobb Jr.’s ecological viewpoint is presented. This is followed by the economic prescriptions arising from the ecological viewpoint. A subsequent critique …


Should The United States Increase The Federal Gasoline Tax?, Jake Ferguson Apr 2007

Should The United States Increase The Federal Gasoline Tax?, Jake Ferguson

Major Themes in Economics

Increasing the federal gasoline tax in the United States is highly debated. A higher tax would reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil and have environmental benefits. Downfalls of a higher tax are the regressive nature of the tax and the unfair burden placed on drivers in rural areas. An increased gasoline tax is not popular with the public, so most politicians do not support a higher tax. An increased federal gasoline tax is a good idea if the increase is large and the additional revenue is used to reduce income taxes in a progressive manner.


The Implications Of Eminent Domain In A Post-Kelo World, Brock L. Toll Apr 2007

The Implications Of Eminent Domain In A Post-Kelo World, Brock L. Toll

Major Themes in Economics

Eminent domain has been a government power for centuries. In most cases, eminent domain is used to provide essential public goods. Using it for the advantage of private entities is hotly debated. The 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo vs. New London allowed the use of eminent domain for privately driven endeavors. By examining the holdout problem, compensation and the effects of the Kelo case, national reform is determined as the best solution to private/public ventures using eminent domain.


What Determines The Performance Of Graduates? Selection Versus Quality: Evidence From Top Law Schools, Eric Marshall Apr 2007

What Determines The Performance Of Graduates? Selection Versus Quality: Evidence From Top Law Schools, Eric Marshall

Major Themes in Economics

Several studies have examined the factors that influence the performance of college graduates. Some studies have found that a student’s inherent academic ability determines the performance of graduates. Others argue that the quality of the education a student receives determines graduate performance. Ability cannot be directly measured; however, the majority opinion is that both student ability and education quality influence graduate ability. I investigate the determinants of law school graduate performance. My law school models offer many advantages over existing research, and my findings support the belief that a student’s academic ability and education quality determine the performance of graduates.


Wage Differentiation Among University Professors: Evidence From Uni’S College Of Business Administration, Christine Bergeth Apr 2007

Wage Differentiation Among University Professors: Evidence From Uni’S College Of Business Administration, Christine Bergeth

Major Themes in Economics

Previous research has found that professor salaries are greatly influenced by the external labor market, but are also affected by the mobility and seniority of the professors. Using data from the College of Business Administration at the University of Northern Iowa, this study tries to determine what factors affect professor salaries, when holding everything else constant. It was found that department, rank, achieving the status of department head, ratings from RateMyProfessor.com, and summer money were significant in trying to explain the wage variation.