Final answer:
John Maynard Keynes is the economist known for challenging the views of classical economic theory by advocating for government intervention in the economy, which led to the development of Keynesian economics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The economist known for challenging the views of classical economic theory was John Maynard Keynes. Keynes was an influential figure in the field of economics, and his ideas have significantly contributed to modern economic policies and theories. His approach to economics was transformative as he saw it not just as a subject area but as a method of thinking, emphasizing it as a technique that enables the practitioner to draw correct conclusions. This approach had a profound impact on the policies that helped govern the economic recovery during and after the Great Depression. Unlike classical economists who believed in leaving the economy to reach equilibrium on its own, Keynes argued for government intervention in the economy, particularly during recessions to mitigate the adverse effects of economic downturns through fiscal and monetary policy.Friedrich Hayek, in contrast, defended free-market capitalism and opposed socialist and communist economics, earning recognition and the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his work within the Austrian School of Economics. While both Keynes and Hayeyk deeply influenced economic thought, it was Keynes who is notably recognized for challenging the views of classical economic theory with what would become known as Keynesian economics