Art Carden, professor of economics in Samford University’s Brock School of Business, has had a paper published in Springer Publishing’s new book, Standard of Living: Essays on Economics, History, and Religion in Honor of John E. Murray, as part of their “Studies in Economic History” series.

 

In summary, the anthology honors the life and work of American economist John E. Murray who published extensively in the areas of the history of health care and health insurance, labor markets, religion and family-related issues from education to orphanages, fertility and marriage. Standard of Living compiles essays by Murray’s academic collaborators, mentors and mentees, including Professor Carden, who was his colleague during their time on the faculty at Rhodes College, 2011-2012.

 

Carden’s paper included in the book as a chapter, “Situating Southern Influences in James M. Buchanan and Modern Public Choice Economics,” tests theories that shaped 1986 Nobel Laureate James M. Buchanan’s worldview. It is cowritten with Vincent Geloso of George Mason University and Phillip Magness of the American Institute for Economic Research.

 

Murray passed away not long after Carden presented this paper at Rhodes College in 2018.

 

Carden said, “John Murray’s passing was a real tragedy. He took ideas seriously and thought rigorously, and I’m glad to have our contribution included in this volume.”