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The Scottish Political Economy Tradition and Modern Economics

Author

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  • Alexander Dow
  • Sheila Dow
  • Alan Hutton

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to re‐examine the notion of a Scottish tradition in political economy in the light of recent developments in the methodology of economics. Consideration is given to the concept of tradition itself, which puts the focus on approach to theorising and the relationship between theory and reality rather than theoretical content. It is argued that the Scottish approach provided the foundations for much of modern political economy. Further, modern discussion of constructivism and critical realism can both be seen to have precedents in the Scottish tradition. Indeed the Scottish political economy tradition provides an exemplar of a constructive blending of the two strands.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Dow & Sheila Dow & Alan Hutton, 1997. "The Scottish Political Economy Tradition and Modern Economics," Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Scottish Economic Society, vol. 44(4), pages 368-383, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:scotjp:v:44:y:1997:i:4:p:368-383
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-9485.00065
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Sheila C. Dow, 2012. "Beyond Dualism," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Foundations for New Economic Thinking, chapter 4, pages 52-71, Palgrave Macmillan.
    5. Winch Donald, 1997. "Adam Smith’s Problems and Ours," Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Scottish Economic Society, vol. 44(4), pages 384-402, September.
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    8. Dow, Sheila C, 1987. "The Scottish Political Economy Tradition," Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Scottish Economic Society, vol. 34(4), pages 335-348, November.
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    2. John Finch, 2000. "Is post-Marshallian economics an evolutionary research tradition?," The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(3), pages 377-406.
    3. Flavio Comim, 2002. "The Scottish Tradition in Economics and the Role of Common Sense in Adam Smith's Thought," Review of Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(1), pages 91-114.

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