1) What is Ferguson’s thesis argument here?2) Why does he use the expression, “Killer App”, is this a good way to communicate the idea(s)?
For today’s class I would like you to form into groups of 4, perhaps even the groups you will work with for the group presentation, and give some consideration to the following Questions as you view the video:
1) What is Ferguson’s thesis argument here?
2) Why does he use the expression, “Killer App”, is this a good way to communicate the idea(s)?
3) Which example of Competition did you find most compelling or convincing in advancing Ferguson’s argument?
4) Is the example of China a convincing case for the need of competition? What factors discouraged competition in China?
5) Which factors encouraged competition in Europe?
6) What Questions do you have from viewing this episode/reading Chapter 1?
Science
For today’s class I would like you to form into groups of 5 and give some consideration to the following Questions as you view the video:
1) What is Ferguson’s thesis argument here?
2) What is being compared here? Why do you think these examples were chosen?
3) Which example of “Science” did you find most compelling or convincing in advancing Ferguson’s argument?
4) Is the example of the Ottoman Empire a convincing case for the need of “Science”? What factors discouraged Scientific inquiry and innovation in the Ottoman Empire?
5) Which factors encouraged Scientific research and innovation in Europe?
6) What Questions do you have from viewing this episode/reading Chapter 2?
Property
For today’s class I would like you to form into your groups and give some consideration to the following Questions, and then submit answers via Canvas:
1) Why does Ferguson use a comparative approach, and are South and North America good comparative examples?
2) Are these Property Rights, or Property Wrongs? Is it the sanctity of Property, or the existence of a robust legal system that contributes to success?
3) Free Land or Free Labour, is there a connection? Does the institution of Slavery in the Southern United States strengthen or weaken Ferguson’s hypothesis?
4) What can we say about Ferguson’s Property Rights/Institutional factors hypothesis versus the “factor endowment” argument of the California School of Economic History that Allen’s chapter 5 elucidated? Do you find one more convincing, why so?
5) How important is Democracy to Ferguson’s Argument?
6) What Questions do you have from viewing this episode/reading Chapter 3?
Let’s discuss them!