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Comparing economic theories or: pluralism in economics and the need for a comparative approach to scientific research programmes

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  • Arne HEISE

    (Universität Hamburg, Dept. of Socioeconomics, Hamburg (Germany))

Abstract

Pluralism in economics appears to be a double-edged sword: we need more than one theory to grasp and explain the entire economic world, yet a plurality of possible explanations undermines the aspiration of the economic discipline to provide ‘objective knowledge’ in the singular of the ‘one world one truth’ conception. Therefore, pluralism is often equated with relativism and obscurantism. In this article, I will explore both the demand for pluralism and the fear of relativism and obscurantism, scrutinising each position in order to evaluate their respective justification and devising a methodological proposal that may appease both the defender and the sceptic of economic pluralism.

Suggested Citation

  • Arne HEISE, 2020. "Comparing economic theories or: pluralism in economics and the need for a comparative approach to scientific research programmes," The Journal of Philosophical Economics, Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, The Journal of Philosophical Economics, vol. 13(2), pages 162-184, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bus:jphile:v:13:y:2020:i:2:n:7
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    Cited by:

    1. Reinke, Rouven, 2021. "Zur ungleichen Verteilung von Macht innerhalb der Volkswirtschaftslehre in Deutschland: Eine feld-und kapitaltheoretische Betrachtung," ZÖSS-Discussion Papers 91, University of Hamburg, Centre for Economic and Sociological Studies (CESS/ZÖSS).
    2. Rouven Reinke, 2021. "A critical note on the scientific conception of economics: claiming for a methodological pluralism," Post-Print hal-03374887, HAL.
    3. Reinke, Rouven, 2020. "Das Wissenschaftsverständnis der Volkswirtschaftslehre in der Kritik: Implikationen für die Vision einer pluralen Ökonomik," ZÖSS-Discussion Papers 79, University of Hamburg, Centre for Economic and Sociological Studies (CESS/ZÖSS).
    4. Reinke, Rouven, 2021. "Das Verhältnis von neuer Wirtschaftssoziologie und moderner Volkswirtschaftslehre: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen einer soziologischen Kritik am (neoklassischen) Mainstream," ZÖSS-Discussion Papers 83, University of Hamburg, Centre for Economic and Sociological Studies (CESS/ZÖSS).
    5. Turan Yay, 2021. "Method and scope in Joseph A. Schumpeter's economics: a pluralist perspective," Post-Print hal-03374881, HAL.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    pluralism; methodology; paradigm;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology

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