Canonizing economic theory : how theories and ideas are selected in economics / Christopher D. Mackie.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mackie, Christopher D.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Economics--History.

Economics.

History.

Economics--Research.

Physical Description:

201 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Armonk, N.Y. : M.E. Sharpe, [1998]

Contents:

Description of the Problem

Purpose of This Book

What Is a Theory?

The Theory Choice Process

Theory Choice

An Illustrative Example

Chapter Outline

1 Philosophy of Science Background

Introduction

Formulation of the 'Received View' of Science

The Hypothetico-Deductive Method / Karl Popper

Emergence of Theory Choice as a Philosophy of Science Issue

Recent Philosophy of Science Developments / Thomas Kuhn, Imre Lakotos

Philosophy versus History

Use of Historical Evidence Kuhn, Lakatos

Treatment of Theory Choice

Conclusions

2 Philosophy of Science and Economics

The Physical Science

Economics Link

Economists and Philosophy of Science

Growth of Knowledge in Economics

A Challenge to Friedman's Methodology, Toward an Assessment of Scientific Research Programs

3 Rationale for a Broader Interpretation

Critical Response to Lakatos

Summary of Philosophy of Science

Shortcomings Methodological Considerations and Conclusions

4 Prepublication Appraisal and Editorial Selection

Pre- versus Post-Publication Appraisal

Journal Appraisal: Philosophy or Practicality?

The Role of Subjectivity in Publishing: Decision-Makers'

Testimony: A Survey of Referees

Sources of Bias in Research Appraisal: Ideological Components

Sociological Factors

Norms and Trends in Economic Research: Importance of Presentation

The Rhetpric of Economic Discourse

Summary and Conclusions

5 Post-Publication Appraisal and Theory Choice

Introduction: Characterizing Post-Publication

Appraisal and Selection, Post-Publication Theory

Choice

What Do We Already Know?

Scope and Organization of the Chapter

Post-Publication: A Second Process of Elimination

Positive Appraisal During the Post-Publication Period

Timing and Proximity of Empirical Evidence

The Secondary Nature of Testing

The Keynesian Example

The Porblem of Conflicting Data

The Phillips Curve

Historical Context and Changing Structural Relationships

Bias in the Post-Publication Theory Choice Process

The Social Structure of the Academic Community

Method of Presentation and the Reception of Theories

An Interpretation of the Macro-Revolution

Mirowski's Case-Study of Neoclassical Economics

Other Examples

Summary

6 Summary, Assessment, and Directions

Theme: 1 Limitations of Generalized Methodology

Theme: 2 Toward a More Complete Account.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 181-187) and index.

ISBN:

0765602849

0765602857

OCLC:

38207885