The Boundaries of Economics

These essays attempt to place neoclassical economic theory, especially conventional textbook micro-economic theory, in the broader context of other social sciences and modern economics.

Gordon C. Winston (Edited by), Richard F. Teichgraeber III (Edited by)

9780521344500, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 January 1988

136 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.38 kg

"...a stimulating collection of accessible discussions of the methodological concerns facing economics. It combines brevity with a range of issues, which makes it an attractive intellectual opportunity for the reading-overburdened." History of Political Economy

This volume examines themes that complicate the conventional economist's view of the world and thereby provide for a notably more complex, and humane, subject of study than the traditional Homo economicus. Written by economists and philosophers, these essays attempt to place neoclassical economic theory, especially conventional textbook micro-economic theory, in the broader context of other social sciences and modern economics. In doing so, the book aims to find the boundaries of economics and to define more sharply its relationship to other kinds of inquiry. Though the widespread use of textbook microtheory in business, economic, and political analysis is a clear testament to its power, the restrictions and artificialities of neoclassical assumptions give cause for worry even to many economists. This book examines the extent to which the economist's paradigm - that man is characterized chiefly by self-interested goals and rational choice of means - is useful in studying traditional noneconomic fields such as philosophy, political theory, and rhetoric. It also looks at how insights from other disciplines are changing - and perhaps improving - the current practice of economics.

Preface
Acknowledgements
List of contributors
1. Introduction Gordon C. Winston
2. Towards a rhetoric of economics Donald N. McCloskey
3. Three problems with the treatment of time in economics: perspectives, repetitiveness and time units Gordon C. Winston
4. Hayek, the Scottish school and contemporary economics John Gray
5. Reuniting economics and philosophy Michael S. McPherson
6. Economic methodology and philosophy of science Daniel M. Hausman
Index.

Subject Areas: Economic theory & philosophy [KCA]