ECONOMICS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT: CETERIS PARIBUS OR MUTATIS MUTANDIS |
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| Authors: | Thomas W Mason |
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| Institution: | Thomas W. Mason graduated from Geneva College and received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. His re- search has focused on the role of economics in inter-disciplinary assessment of technology and policy, especially with respect to energy and environmen- tal problems. More recently, he has been investigating the applicability of such assessment tools to the subject of entrepreneurship. Since 1972, Dr. Mason has been a member of the economics faculty at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where he is currently Vice President for Administra- tion and Finance. |
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| Abstract: | Economic theory frequently uses ceteris paribus assumptions to hold complicating variables constant to analyze the effect of one variable on another. Policy-makers must consider effects of policies with other things changing as they will (i.e., mutatis mutandis). Impact assessment can recon- cile the often narrow approach of economic analysis and the need for broad consideration of implications. The methods of impact assessment can pro- vide a proper place for economic analysis in policy assessment and help to assure that a broad range of impacts are included to determine the economic effects of events and decisions. |
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