Eisner, Robert (1922–1998)

Abstract

Robert Eisner, a leading American macroeconomist and theorist of the investment function, was an architect of the Keynesian ascendancy in post-war America. He developed the accounting foundations of Keynesian macroeconomics, finally producing a Total Income System of Accounts. His ideas found application in his later, policy-oriented writings on the budget deficit, the current account, and the Social Security system. His embrace of capital budgeting underpinned a strong advocacy of liberal expenditure on infrastructure, education, and research and development. He was throughout motivated by a commitment to larger social goals, especially full employment, peace, and justice.