The Theory of Interest is concerned with the problem of explaining (A) why economic systems have interest rates and (B) what determines the values these interest rates assume. The purpose of this paper is to give a self-contained exposition of an approach to these questions developed mostly over the past twenty years. Making use of a simplified economy in which consumption goods are produced from labor and capital, it is shown that even in a steady state under 'normal' conditions it is necessary to have an interest rate which is strictly greater than the growth rate of the labor force if the economy is to be in equilibrium meaning that supply and demand for all goods are equal. This answers (A) above. In the final section, the author answers (B) by showing that the interest rate r gives, roughly speaking, a measure of the amount of increase in future 'consumption' obtainable for a unit sacrifice of consumption in the present. (Author).
The Theory of Interest is concerned with the problem of explaining (A) why economic systems have interest rates and (B) what determines the values these interest rates assume.
This book contains a critical analysis of the main theories of interest which have been published since B÷hm-Bawerk. The last part of the book gives an account of the author's own theory. The first part, which deals with the history of doctrines, discusses the theories of B÷hm-Bawerk, Wicksell, Akerman, and Hayek, authors who proceed from the assumption of stationary state. The second group of authors consists of Walras, Irving Fisher, and F. H. Knight, who assume a progressive economy in which net saving and investment occur. The third group of authors are those who stress the monetary factor. The central figure of this part is Keynes; but other authors, among them Patinkin, are also dealt with. The theories on the term structure of interest rates are discussed in the last part of the history of doctrines. The author's own theory deals with the problem of the interest rate first in terms of partial equilibrium analysis, whereby particular attention is paid to the influence of the banking system on the structure of interest rates. In the final chapter the author proceeds to expound the interest theory in the framework of general equilibrium analysis. A mathematical appendix concludes this book. Friedrich A. Lutz (1901-1975) taught economics at Princeton University for fifteen years before becoming Professor of Economics at the University of Zurich. He was also the president of the Mont Pelerin Society from 1964-1967.
This book contains a critical analysis of the main theories of interest which have been published since B÷hm-Bawerk. The last part of the book gives an account of the author's own theory.
The third edition of The Theory of Interest is significantly revised and expanded from previous editions. The text covers the basic mathematical theory of interest as traditionally developed. The book is a thorough treatment of the mathematical theory and practical applications of compound interest, or mathematics of finance. The pedagogical approach of the second edition has been retained in the third edition. The textbook narrative emphasizes both the importance of conceptual understanding and the ability to apply the techniques to practical problems. The third edition has considerable updates that make this book relevant to students in this course area.
The third edition of The Theory of Interest is significantly revised and expanded from previous editions. The text covers the basic mathematical theory of interest as traditionally developed.
