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Variations On The Theme Of Conning In Mathematical Economics

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  • K. Vela Velupillai

Abstract

The mathematization of economics is almost exclusively in terms of the mathematics of real analysis which, in turn, is founded on set theory (and the axiom of choice) and orthodox mathematical logic. In this paper I try to point out that this kind of mathematization is replete with economic infelicities. The attempt to extract these infelicities is in terms of three main examples and one general discussion: dynamics, policy and rational expectations and learning are the examples; a game theory without ‘subjectivism’, based on the axiom of determinateness, is discussed in general terms. The focus is on the role and reliance of standard fixed‐point theorems in orthodox mathematical economics.

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  • K. Vela Velupillai, 2007. "Variations On The Theme Of Conning In Mathematical Economics," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(3), pages 466-505, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jecsur:v:21:y:2007:i:3:p:466-505
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6419.2007.00511.x
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    1. K.Vela Velupillai, 2012. "The Epistemology of Simulation, Computation and Dynamics in Economics," ASSRU Discussion Papers 1218, ASSRU - Algorithmic Social Science Research Unit.

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