Economist to address ideas and lessons from history

September 1, 2016

Andrea Miller

Lawrence W. “Larry” Reed, president of the Foundation for Economic Education, will speak about economics from various historical perspectives on Wednesday, Sept. 7, in Schaible Auditorium. He will offer three different presentations, at 10:30 a.m., 2:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and take questions after each.

Reed earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Grove City College and his master’s degree in history from Slippery Rock State University. Before becoming president of FEE, he served as president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland, Michigan for 20 years. In addition, he previously taught economics at Northwood University and served as chair of its economics department. Reed is the author of the forthcoming book, "Real Heroes: Inspiring True Stories of Courage, Character and Conviction."

At 10:30 a.m., Reed will speak about “Adam Smith and the Birth of Economics,” focusing on how Smith changed the world with his devastating critique of mercantilism and his advocacy of free trade.

At 2:15 p.m., he will discuss “Great Myths of the Great Depression,” one of his best-known lectures, which focuses on why the Depression happened, how the government prolonged it and policies to avoid so that it won't happen again.

At 5:30 p.m., he will speak on “Learning the Lessons of Ancient Rome,” focusing on the reasons for the rise and fall of one of history’s greatest civilizations and what it means for our time.

These free events are sponsored by the student organization Students Who Enjoy Economic Thinking.

For more information, contact Sherri Wall, economics instructor in the School of Management and SWEET’s faculty advisor, at 907-474-6526 or slwall@alaska.edu.