'An extremely readable book that should provoke both economists and students of
economic methodology to think more deeply about what they are doing.'
Roger E. Backhouse, Professor of the History and Philosophy of Economics, University
of Birmingham
- Demonstrates the importance of methodological awareness for helping economists address
major issues
- Overview of the past development of economic methodology theory gives historical
perspective in understanding the methodological debates of the present
- Particular emphasis on current debates over methodological issues provides an up to date
account of the field and also illustrates the continued need for methodological awareness
in the study of economics.
- Further reading suggestions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to think
critically about methodological issues and facilitate more detailed investigation into the
subject.
Economic Methodology: An Inquiry presents a clear and accessible introduction
to the methodology of economics. An essential introduction to the subject for those who
would like to pursue the more specialist literature, explaining both the role of
methodology in assisting economists to address fundamental issues and also the different
approaches to methodology that are on offer.
The book begins with a discussion of the nature and scope of economics as a discipline
and of the issues currently facing it. Dow then goes on to introduce some of the central
theoretical and empirical issues in economics and demonstrates the need for methodological
awareness in approaching these issues. This is followed by a brief account of the
methodological ideas that have influenced economics over the last two centuries and a
detailed chapter on current methodological ideas, showing how they are discussed today in
the field of economic methodology and how these ideas are related to current practice in
economics. The book concludes with a discussion of what economics can reasonably be
expected to do and what possible future directions the subject might take.
Written in a clear and accessible style with suggestions for further reading at the end
of each chapter, this book will be the ideal starting point for all those wanting an
introduction to the methodology of economics, both as it has developed in the past and as
it now stands.
Readership: Second or third year undergraduates doing optional courses in the
methodology of economics or postgraduates doing the same. Also supplementary reading for
undergraduates doing core course in economic theory.
Sheila Dow, Professor of Economics, Stirling University.
Contents
- 1 What's so Funny about Economics?
- 2 Where is Economics Going?
- 3 Some Theoretical Issues
- 4 Some Empirical Issues
- 5 The Scope and Purpose of Economics
- 6 Progress in Economics
- 7 Understanding Economics
- 8 Understanding the Economy
- 9 Issues for Methodology and Economics
Paperback, 220 pages