Economics is a study of cause-and-effect relationships in an economy. It's purpose is to discern the consequences of various ways of allocating resources which have alternative uses. It has nothing to say about philosophy or values, anymore than it has to say about music or literature.

p. Applied Economics: Thinking Beyond Stage One ISBN 0-465-08143-6
2002. ISBN 978-0-300-10775-3.

He is the author of more than 30 books. He dropped out of high school and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Since 1980 he has worked at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.