It is based on Samuelson's 1941 doctoral dissertation at Harvard University. The book sought to demonstrate a common mathematical structure underlying multiple branches of economics from two basic principles: maximizing behavior of agents (such as of utility by consumers and profits by firms) and stability of equilibrium as to economic systems (such as markets or economies).
The work was based on Samuelson's 1941 doctoral dissertation at Harvard University, which aimed to demonstrate a common mathematical structure across various branches of economics. It did this by focusing on two key concepts: maximizing behavior of agents (like consumers and firms) and the stability of equilibrium in economic systems (such as markets or economies).