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Robert Giffen Bio

Robert Giffen was a economist and statistician born in Strathaven Scotland in 1837. He is most famous for his "Paradox". Giffen noted in 1890 an exception to the law of demand, certain goods demand rise as the price increase. These goods are now named after him and called Giffen goods. He is also well renowned for his work and research in the economics of banking. Robert Giffin also worked exstensivley within the British government, holding positions such as: Head of the statistical department of the board of trade, controller general, and chief statistical adviser to the government. Sadly in 1910 he suddenly passed away at the age of 72.

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  1. Professor ArvanSeptember 9, 2019 at 3:59 AM

    The notion of a Giffen good makes reference to the Irish Potato Famine, a truly horrible time where many starved to death. One should therefore associate the concept with acts of desperation rather than rationality under ordinary circumstances.

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