Deirdre McCloskey

Deirdre McCloskey is an economist and professor emerita at the University of Illinois at Chicago, recognized for her work in economic history, rhetoric, and the philosophy of liberalism. McCloskey has authored more than a dozen books, including the "Bourgeois Virtues" trilogy—"The Bourgeois Virtues," "Bourgeois Dignity," and "Bourgeois Equality"—which examine the role of ethical virtues and innovation in the development of modern prosperity. Her research explores the intersection of economics, ethics, and social theory, contributing to ongoing discussions about capitalism and liberal thought.

McCloskey's career includes significant contributions to cliometrics, the quantitative study of economic history, and the application of rhetorical theory to economics, as presented in works such as "The Rhetoric of Economics." She is a distinguished fellow of the History of Economics Society and has delivered keynote addresses at conferences internationally, reflecting her expertise in economic scholarship and public engagement. Her interdisciplinary approach connects economics with broader questions about society and human behavior.

Active in public discourse, McCloskey shares her perspectives through lectures, op-eds, and her personal website, where she provides information about her research and projects. She addresses topics such as ideological bias in academia and advocates for open inquiry in economic and social debates. Through her public speaking and writing, McCloskey contributes to discussions on ethics, markets, and the foundations of human flourishing.