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Samuels on Methodological Pluralism in Economics

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  • Davis, John

    (Department of Economics Marquette University)

Abstract

Warren Samuels was an influential proponent of methodological pluralism in economics. This short paper discusses his understanding of methodological pluralism, and argues that it is based on three distinct components: (1) his critique of the idea that theories have epistemic foundations and his "matrix approach to meaningfulness," (2) his belief that the absence of meta-principles for science combined with our human psychology create an existential dilemma for theorists and policy-makers, and (3) his understanding of relativism, social constructivism, and "limited but affirmative" defense of nihilism against the charge of skepticism. The paper closes with a brief discussion of what Samuels' methodological pluralism might tell us about historiography and the history of economics.

Suggested Citation

  • Davis, John, 2012. "Samuels on Methodological Pluralism in Economics," Working Papers and Research 2012-01, Marquette University, Center for Global and Economic Studies and Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:mrq:wpaper:2012-01
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    File URL: http://epublications.marquette.edu/econ_workingpapers/22
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    Cited by:

    1. Marco Antonio Ribas Cavalieri & José Felipe Araújo De Almeida, 2018. "A History Of The Foundation And The Early Years Of The Association For Evolutionary Economics," Anais do XLIV Encontro Nacional de Economia [Proceedings of the 44th Brazilian Economics Meeting] 1, ANPEC - Associação Nacional dos Centros de Pós-Graduação em Economia [Brazilian Association of Graduate Programs in Economics].

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Samuels; methodological pluralism; economic methodology; economics profession;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B23 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Econometrics; Quantitative and Mathematical Studies
    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology

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