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Verisimilitude and the scientific strategy of economic theory

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  • Jesú s P. Zamora Bonilla

Abstract

Methodological norms in economic theorizing are interpreted as rational strategies to optimize some epistemic utility functions. A definition of 'empirical verisimilitude' is defended as a plausible interpretation of the epistemic preferences of researchers. Some salient differences between the scientific strategies of physics and of economics are derived from the comparison of the relative costs associated with each strategy. The classical discussion about the 'realism of assumptions' in economics is also considered under the light of the concept of 'empirical verisimilitude'.

Suggested Citation

  • Jesú s P. Zamora Bonilla, 1999. "Verisimilitude and the scientific strategy of economic theory," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(3), pages 331-350.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jecmet:v:6:y:1999:i:3:p:331-350
    DOI: 10.1080/13501789900000022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wible James, 1998. "The Economics Of Science, Methodology And Epistemology As If Economics Really Matter," Journal des Economistes et des Etudes Humaines, De Gruyter, vol. 8(4), pages 1-18, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Frank Hindriks, 2005. "Unobservability, tractability and the battle of assumptions," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(3), pages 383-406.

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