Search For A Definition: Samuelson’s Economics

Abstract

Aiming at a definition of the discipline, Paul Samuelson included in the first pages of Economics a brief  consideration of “What Economics is”. This happened in 15 of the 19 versions of his epoch-making  textbook, from the 5th edition in 1961 all the way to the last in 2010. The section included, not only a phrase  suggested as definition, but also a previous list of alternative characterisations. Although dealing with a  basic and foundational issue, the text was repeatedly revised, with continuous adjustments, throughout the  several editions, targeting perfection. By considering them it is possible to follow the evolving thought of  the great economist on the thorny issue of depicting the elementary nature of the economic science, and  thus understand it a bit better.