The correct answer is: A. Adam Smith.
Adam Smith was a Scottish economist and philosopher who is considered the father of modern economics. He is best known for his book The Wealth of Nations, which was published in 1776. In this book, Smith argued that the economy should be left to operate according to the laws of supply and demand, without government intervention. This idea, known as laissez-faire economics, is one of the fundamental principles of classical economics.
Smith’s view that economics is neutral to objectives means that it is not concerned with the ends that economic activity is used to achieve. Rather, it is concerned with the means by which economic activity is carried out. In other words, economics is concerned with how to produce goods and services efficiently, and how to distribute them fairly. It is not concerned with whether the goods and services that are produced are used for good or evil purposes.
This view has been challenged by some economists, who argue that economics cannot be neutral to objectives. They argue that the way in which an economy is organized can have a significant impact on the distribution of power and wealth, and that this can have a major impact on the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
Despite these challenges, Smith’s view that economics is neutral to objectives remains widely accepted among economists. This is because it is a view that is consistent with the scientific method, which requires that scientists avoid making value judgments about the subjects they study.
The other options are incorrect because they are not associated with the statement “Economics remains neutral to objectives.”
- Option B, Marshall, is the name of an economist who is known for his work on the theory of value. However, Marshall did not make the statement “Economics remains neutral to objectives.”
- Option C, R. C. Devis, is the name of an economist who is known for his work on the theory of economic development. However, Devis did not make the statement “Economics remains neutral to objectives.”
- Option D, Harold Smidy, is not the name of an economist.