The Effect of the Mathematics of Finance on the Dynamics of a Credit Economy

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Jessica J. Bennett (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Advisor

David W. Pravica

Abstract: The general equilibrium theory of J.M. Keynes was developed in the 1930's to help explain the great depression and prevent future economic downturns. Out of this came the IS-LM (investment saving/liquid money) model introduced by J.R. Hicks in 1936. There is controversy about the success of Hicks's approach not the least of which is the lack of dynamical aspects in the theory. The thesis considers three interest groups identified as bankers capitalists and workers. A coupled system of differential equations describes the flow of money capital and credit over time. A mathematical analysis of the high dimensional system reveals the existence of equilibrium points. Their stability properties are determined. By modifying the equations cycles appear corresponding to periods of boom and bust. Thus shocks to the system which are theorized by neoclassical economists to be due to external events are shown to be possible using dynamical endogenous equations. 

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Date: 2012

Keywords

Mathematics, Economics, Finance, credit economy, delay differential equations, dynamics, eigenvalues

Subjects

Economics--Mathematical models

Keynesian economics

IS-LM model (Macroeconomics)

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