This paper aims to survey the main contributions to the literature on the "new" consensus in macroeconomics in which the efforts for convergence among the distinct theories that support this approach are discussed. It also seemed appropriate to underscore the main authors who postulate such convergence. The resulting core for economic policies is then presented. Next, some insights on the heterodox critique are summarized. Emphasis was given to the post-Keynesian perspective. Thus, this paper amplifies the debate Arestis and Sawer (2008) proposed in an earlier issue of this journal. At this stage, the reader might find it clear that the critiques are the same as those which governed the debate among Keynes and the classics in the first half of the twentieth century. Conclusions indicate that more research is necessary in this area and that, at both sides of the debate, it is important to summarize the arguments in a coherent fashion in order to consolidate a theoretical framework.
Consensus in macroeconomics; Heterodox critique; Economic policy
