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Le principe de rationalité et l'unité des sciences sociales

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  • Philippe Mongin

Abstract

The paper revisits the rationality principle from the particular perspective of the unity of social sciences. It has been argued that the principle was the unique law of the social sciences and that accordingly there are no deep differences between them (Popper). It has also been argued that the rationality principle was specific to economics as opposed to the other social sciences, especially sociology (Pareto). The paper rejects these opposite views on the grounds that the rationality principle is strictly metaphysical and does not have the logical force required to deliver interesting deductions. Explanation in the social sciences takes place at a level of specialization that is always higher than that of the principle itself. However, what is peculiar about economics is that it specializes the explanatory rational schemes to a degree unparalled in history and sociology. As a consequence, there is a backward-and-forward move between specific and general formulations of rationality that takes place in economics and has no analogue in the other social sciences. Classification JEL : B41

Suggested Citation

  • Philippe Mongin, 2002. "Le principe de rationalité et l'unité des sciences sociales," Revue économique, Presses de Sciences-Po, vol. 53(2), pages 301-323.
    • Handle: RePEc:cai:recosp:reco_532_0301
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    Cited by:

    1. Christophe Schinckus & Çınla Akdere, 2015. "Towards a New Way of Teaching Statistics in Economics: The Case for Econophysics," Ekonomi-tek - International Economics Journal, Turkish Economic Association, vol. 4(3), pages 89-108, September.
    2. Christophe Schinckus, 2011. "What can econophysics contribute to financial economics?," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 58(2), pages 147-163, June.
    3. Mongin, Philippe, 2012. "Une conception néo-poppérienne de l'explication en sciences sociales et ses difficultés internes," HEC Research Papers Series 960, HEC Paris.
    4. Philippe Mongin, 2011. "La théorie de la décision et la psychologie du sens commun," Working Papers hal-00625445, HAL.
    5. Philippe Mongin, 2007. "Une étude d'histoire militaire instruite par la théorie des jeux et quelques amplifications méthododologiques," Working Papers hal-00582657, HAL.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

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

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