John Kenneth Galbraith

Description: (Famous for His Trilogy on Economics 'American Capitalism', 'The Affluent Society' and 'The New Industrial State')

John Kenneth Galbraith was a very famous American economist best remembered for his prophetic commentary on the country’s political follies and for predicting the probable consequences of corporate greed and deregulated markets. He had an active interest in politics and was a loyal Democratic who served in the administrations of Franklin D Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and John F. Kennedy. During the Kennedy administration he had been the United States Ambassador to India. He studied agricultural economics in college and became a member of the faculty at the Harvard University where he taught for over five decades. The economist cum diplomat was a prolific writer and is regarded as the most widely read author on economics. His books have consistently been topping the best-sellers list starting from the 1950s all through the 2000s. His witty commentary, outspokenness and humorous way of bringing serious matters into perspective make him a much loved author. As an economist he was a believer in Keynesian philosophy and had tutored Adlai E. Stevenson, the Democratic nominee for president during 1952 and 1956 on Keynesian economics. For decades, "the best-known economist in the world" helped to redefine the way Americans understood economics and influenced the thinking of the Democratic Party leaders.

Overview

Birthday October 15, 1908 (Libra)
Born In Canada
Died on April 29, 2006
Spouse/Ex- Catherine Galbraith
Parents Archibald Galbraith
Sarah Catherine Kendall
Children Douglas Galbraith, J. Alan Galbraith, James K. Galbraith, Peter W. Galbraith
Relatives Alice, Archibald William, Catherine

Did you know

What were John Kenneth Galbraith's major contributions to economics? John Kenneth Galbraith was known for his work on the concept of the "affluent society," where he argued that in developed countries, production had shifted from meeting basic needs to creating consumer goods and services.
How did John Kenneth Galbraith's views on government intervention in the economy differ from classical economic theory? Galbraith believed that government intervention was necessary to address market failures and ensure social welfare, a departure from classical economic theory which emphasized minimal government involvement.
What was John Kenneth Galbraith's stance on corporate power and influence in the economy? Galbraith was critical of the concentration of corporate power, arguing that large corporations could distort markets and harm consumer interests if left unchecked.
How did John Kenneth Galbraith influence the field of institutional economics? Galbraith's emphasis on the role of institutions in shaping economic behavior and outcomes contributed to the development of institutional economics, which focuses on how institutions such as laws, regulations, and social norms influence economic activity.
What is John Kenneth Galbraith's theory on the concept of "conventional wisdom?" Galbraith coined the term "conventional wisdom" to describe widely accepted beliefs or attitudes that may not necessarily reflect reality. He argued that challenging conventional wisdom was essential for progress and understanding in society.
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