The essays explore foundational questions in economics, examining its nature as a science and the effectiveness of economists in understanding their field. Through fresh perspectives, the collection delves into the complexities of economic knowledge and challenges conventional views, making it a significant contribution to philosophical discourse in economics.
This book is about preferences, principally as they figure in economics. It also explores their uses in everyday language and action, how they are understood in psychology, and how they figure in philosophical reflection on action and morality. The book clarifies and for the most part defends the way in which economists invoke preferences to explain, predict, and assess behavior and outcomes. Hausman argues, however, that the predictions and explanations economists offer rely on theories of preference formation that are in need of further development, and he criticizes attempts to define welfare in terms of preferences and to define preferences in terms of choices or self-interest. The analysis clarifies the relations between rational choice theory and philosophical accounts of human action. The book also assembles the materials out of which models of preference formation and modification can be constructed, and it comments on how reason and emotion shape preferences.
This book offers an in-depth exploration of causal asymmetry, presenting a thorough analysis from a leading philosopher of science. It delves into the complexities of cause and effect relationships, examining their implications across various scientific disciplines. The author provides critical insights and arguments, making it an essential resource for those interested in the philosophical underpinnings of causation and its impact on scientific understanding.
The book explores the scientific status and methodology of economics, questioning its distinction from both natural and social sciences. It addresses the complexity of economic theories and their reliance on generalizations, examining whether these can genuinely be classified as scientific. The updated edition incorporates recent developments in economics and philosophy, featuring a new chapter on macroeconomic methodology, enhanced discussions on modeling, causal inference, and behavioral economics, making it an essential resource for students studying modern economic methodologies.
This is a comprehensive anthology of works concerning the nature of economics as a science, including classic texts and essays exploring specific branches and schools of economics. Apart from the classics, most of the selections in the third edition are new, as are the introduction and bibliography. No other anthology spans the whole field and offers a comprehensive introduction to questions about economic methodology.
The book provides an in-depth examination of orthodox theoretical economics, focusing on its structure, strategic approaches, and assessment methods. It delves into the foundational principles that underpin economic theories, offering insights into how these theories are evaluated and applied in practice. This comprehensive overview serves as a valuable resource for students and professionals seeking to understand the complexities of economic frameworks and their implications in the field.