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Das Turgot Problem. The method of Economics

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  • José M. Menudo

    (Department of Economics, Universidad Pablo de Olavide)

Abstract

This paper examines A.R.J. Turgot’s explanation of the scope and method of economic science. We begin by highlighting two contradictory economic methodologies in Turgot’s writings according to the literature: one in his text on progress and another in his papers on concrete economic matters. An initial hypothesis in this paper holds that this ‘contradiction’ does not exist. To do so, we shall use his texts on scientific methodology, history of science and epistemology, mainly written during the decade of the fifties. The argument is that his taxonomy of sciences explains that the different methodologies observed by the literature, depending on the discipline, are the forms that the unit of science can take in each stage of the progress of the human spirit. A corollary to this hypothesis is that Turgot’s multi-disciplinary works describe a scene of the birth of economic science that is very removed from the political arena. Both debates on types of knowledge, the independence of disciplines, the specialized language and the association of authors are better explained from the sociology of science than from the history of political thought.

Suggested Citation

  • José M. Menudo, 2016. "Das Turgot Problem. The method of Economics," Working Papers 16.03, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:pab:wpaper:16.03
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Loïc Charles & Christine Théré, 2011. "From Versailles to Paris: The Creative Communities of the Physiocratic Movement," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 43(1), pages 25-58, Spring.
    3. Francisco VERGARA, 2008. "INTERVENTION ET LAISSER-FAIRE CHEZ TURGOT (Le rôle de l'État selon le droit naturel)," Cahiers d’économie politique / Papers in Political Economy, L'Harmattan, issue 54, pages 149-169, Jan - Jun.
    4. Gilbert Faccarello & Philippe Steiner, 2008. "Interest, sensationism and the science of the legislator: French 'philosophie economique', 1695-1830," The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(1), pages 1-23.
    5. Christophe Salvat, 2006. "Les articles 'Oe/Economie' et leurs désignants dans l'Encyclopédie," Post-Print halshs-00218264, HAL.
    6. P. D. Groenewegen, 1970. "A Reappraisal of Turgot's Theory of Value, Exchange, and Price Determination," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 2(1), pages 177-196, Spring.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Turgot; History of Economic Thought; History of Science; Enlightenment; and Economic Methodology.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • B10 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - General
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • B11 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Preclassical (Ancient, Medieval, Mercantilist, Physiocratic)
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology

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