Description

Thinking like an economist can be helpful in your daily life. If you understand basic economic principles such as incentives, opportunities, and risks and rewards, you can make better decisions. Learning to view the world as an economist can also help you make decisions about which credit card to apply for, what loan to take, or which health care plan is the best.

For this assignment, you will participate in a discussion about the two roles of economists in the context of a specific scenario. When responding to the discussion questions, be sure to reference course materials to support your conclusions and opinions. You should do the same whenever you respond to another person’s discussion post. By doing so, you not only make a stronger case, but better support your own learning.

Scenario

Imagine that a group of advisors to the president has suggested providing a tax cut for the middle class in order to stimulate the economy and reduce unemployment. The president has asked for your analysis of this proposed tax cut.

Instructions

In a post to the discussion, respond to the following:

Describe how an economic scientist would approach the tax cut recommended by the advisors in the scenario you just read. What are some economic factors that the economic scientist would consider when crafting his or her statement on the tax cut proposed?

Describe how an economic policy advisor would approach the same tax cut and provide the reasoning behind the position.

Remember to think like an economis, even if it goes against your own opinions about whether a tax cut is a good idea.

What economic principles does the tax cut involve?

What are some of the repercussions of the tax cut on the wealthy and do you think this is a positive or negative outcome? Why?

Do you think tax donations should be tax deductible even when it hurts government revenue?