History, philosophy, and methodology of economics 2400-PLSM106A
As far as the philosophy of economics is concerned, we are to focus on such issues during the seminar as:
1. The nature of economic laws – whether they are universal, or context dependent, or are they just statements about tendencies in the economy, etc.
2. Economic models – how to explain using them while they use unrealistic assumptions? What is the difference between models and theories?
3. How economists explain? Is to explain in economics means subsuming facts under the laws? Or, is it just to cite the cause of a given phenomenon? Or, maybe, is it just to describe the mechanism responsible for a given fact?
4. How to model the interplay between micro and macro worlds in economics (the problem of reductionism)?
5. The role of metaphors and language in economics.
6. The limits of economics – the problem of economic expansionism and imperialism.
7. Approaches in comparing economic laws.
8. Economics & reality – between realism and constructivism.
Depending on research interests of participants of this seminar different issues can also be taken into consideration.
Classical themes in the history of economics can also be part of our discussions during the seminar.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Students know the most important concepts form the philosophy of economics and they know how to critically appraise economic theories. Students also know how to write M.A. thesis and they know how to conduct research in the philosophy and history of economics.
KW01, KW02, KW03, KU01, KU02, KU03, KK01, KK02, KK03
Assessment criteria
Students will be evaluated on the basis of dissertation's conspect (first semester) and the quality of the dissertation (second/third semester).
Bibliography
Hardt Ł. (2013), Studia z realistycznej filozofii ekonomii, Warszawa: C.H. Beck.
Hausman D. (2007), The Philosophy of Economics.
An Anthology, Cambridge: CUP.
Reiss J. (2013), The Philosophy of Economics: A Contemporary Introduction, New York: Routledge.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: