The economist as a social engineer: the need for professional ethics

Abstract

Since the inception of the discipline, several economist, beginning
with Adam Smith, have considered professional ethics as transcendental aspect of their work. If the elaboration of economic theories tend to project themselves on a society and generate real effect, positive ornegative, economists are in one form or another responsible for them.Yet in more recent times economist have tried to minimize orcompletely ignore their ethical responsibilities.  While this tendencyis grave in general, it is much more so during times of deep crisis, such as that of the present day.  This situation has become exacerbated, both in teaching and in professional pursuits. As such, reflections regarding the ethics of economists are absolutely necessary.