We present three classroom exercises designed to explore issues of fairness and equity in economics. In each exercise, students put economics in context as they consider the art of economics in addition to the science. The active learning nature of the exercises involves students as they consider (1) the free-rider problem, (2) the contrast between democratic and free-market ideals, and (3) externalities. Each exercise, including discussion, will fit into a 50-minute class period. The author has used the exercises in introductory microeconomics courses, in classes of 30 to 50 students.
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