Aaron M. Honsowetz Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Economics
Physical & Computational Sciences
Richardson Hall, Room 23
Physical & Computational Sciences
Aaron M. Honsowetz conducts research on the regulation of the United States Telegraph Market and the technological impact of the telegraph in North America. The Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society at the University of Chicago is funding his work with Michael Weaver to construct a GIS map of telegraph stations in the United States. Honsowetz is also part of the Dr. Wictz board game design team and blog where he focuses on applying economic theory to board game design.
In undergrad, Honsowetz came across Political Economy as he studied Political Theory and International Relations. After careful reading, he concluded Political Economy best matched how he understood the world to work, and made the study of Political Economics his lifelong focus.
Education
Ph.D., George Mason University (2015)
M.A., George Mason University (2010)
B.A., B.S., Michigan State University (2008)
Areas of Passion & Research
Economics History, Telecommunication Regulation, Telegraph Industry, New Institution Economics, Public Choice, Political Economy, Board Games, Personal interests, Industrial History, Political History, Theory and Philosophy, International Politics, Old Time Radio
Favorite Quote, Book, or Movie … Why?
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” — Federalist 51
Recent Publications
- “Pro-consumer Legislation Supported by Elites: The Curious Case of the 1866 Post Roads Act” (2019) in Public Choice Analysis of American Economic History Vol. 3
Published Board Games
- You Fool (2017) — Button Shy Games
Under Contract Board Games
- Cookie Bandit — Yanaguana Games