Deirdre McCloskey: A Legacy of Economics, Rhetoric, and Cliometrics
Deirdre McCloskey is a distinguished scholar whose career has spanned several disciplines, challenging the traditional boundaries of economic analysis. From her early contributions to the quantification of history to her later explorations of language and ethics, McCloskey has consistently pushed the field of economics to be more self-reflective and multidisciplinary.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
Born in Ann Arbor, McCloskey established her academic roots at Harvard University, where she earned an AB in economics in 1964 and a PhD in 1970. Studying under Alexander Gerschenkron, she focused her doctoral research on the British iron and steel industry—a project that earned her the prestigious David A. Wells Prize in 1973.
Her professional journey began at the University of Chicago in 1968. Over the next decade, she rose from assistant professor to associate professor, receiving tenure in 1975. By 1979, her interdisciplinary approach led to a simultaneous appointment as an associate professor of history.
Contributions to Economic Theory and History
During her tenure at Chicago, McCloskey became a pivotal figure in the cliometric revolution—the application of economic theory and quantitative methods to the study of history. She also influenced generations of economists through her teaching of Chicago Price Theory, which she later synthesized into her book, The Applied Theory of Price.
In 1979, influenced by Wayne Booth of the English department, McCloskey expanded her intellectual scope to include the study of rhetoric. This shift marked a transition toward analyzing how economists communicate and persuade, rather than focusing solely on mathematical models.
Transition to the University of Iowa
In 1980, McCloskey moved to the University of Iowa, where she taught until 1999 and was appointed the John F. Murray Chair in Economics in 1984. This period was highly productive, resulting in the 1985 publication of The Rhetoric of Economics. She also co-founded the Project on Rhetoric of Inquiry, a graduate program and institution established alongside John S. Nelson, Allan Megill, and other colleagues.
In 1996, McCloskey and Stephen Ziliak published a seminal paper titled "The Standard Error of Regressions" in the Journal of Economic Literature. This work launched a decades-long collaboration focused on the history and practice of estimation and statistical significance testing across economics, medicine, and other scientific fields.
Broad Intellectual Impact
With a prolific output of 25 books and nearly 500 articles, McCloskey's work covers a vast array of subjects. Her contributions range from the economic history of Britain—specifically medieval agriculture and 19th-century industry—to the origins of modern economic growth, most notably detailed in her trilogy, The Bourgeois Era.
Beyond history, she has made significant marks in economic methodology, virtue ethics, feminist economics, and heterodox economics, often questioning the over-reliance on mathematics in economic analysis.
| Period/Year | Institution/Achievement | Key Focus/Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 & 1970 | Harvard University | AB and PhD in Economics |
| 1968 – 1980 | University of Chicago | Cliometrics and Price Theory |
| 1980 – 1999 | University of Iowa | Rhetoric of Inquiry and John F. Murray Chair |
| 1985 | Publication | The Rhetoric of Economics |
| 1996 | Collaboration with S. Ziliak | Statistical significance and econometrics |
Key Facts
- Education: PhD in Economics from Harvard University (1970).
- Major Works: Author of 25 books and nearly 500 articles, including The Bourgeois Era trilogy.
- Interdisciplinary Reach: Combined economics with history (cliometrics) and English (rhetoric).
- Key Collaboration: Partnered with Stephen Ziliak to critique statistical significance testing.
- Academic Appointments: Held positions at the University of Chicago and the University of Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cliometrics?
Cliometrics is the application of economic theory and quantitative, statistical methods to the study of economic history.
What was the focus of McCloskey's work on rhetoric?
McCloskey explored the rhetoric of economics and human sciences, examining how language and persuasion are used in economic discourse rather than relying solely on mathematical proofs.
What is "The Bourgeois Era"?
It is a trilogy authored by McCloskey that examines the origins of modern economic growth.
Who did McCloskey collaborate with regarding statistical significance?
She collaborated extensively with Stephen Ziliak, beginning with their 1996 paper on the standard error of regressions.
Which awards did she receive early in her career?
Her doctoral dissertation on the British iron and steel industry won the David A. Wells Prize in 1973.