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The Debate on the Nature of Welfare Economics in the Contemporary Methodology of Economics

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  • Bogusław Czarny

Abstract

In this article I describe dispute about whether welfare economics is normative economics, or the positive economics. The introduction to the discussion was a debate between Ezra Mishan and Pieter Hennipman in 1982–1984. It resulted in Mishan’s acceptation of the Hennipman’s view, that welfare economics is a part of the positive economics. After a couple of years the topic appeared back in the economic journals. In the first part of this article I present views of George Archibald, Pieter Hennipman and Yew-Kwang Ng,which treat welfare economics as a part of positive economics. In the second part I present contrary opinions of Mark Blaug. In the third part I present counterarguments, which (in my opinion) undermine Blaug’s position. I end with the hypothesis that dispute, which I described, can be caused—among others—by the existing, since the time of John Neville Keynes and Max Weber, ambiguity of the terms "positive economics" and "normative economics".

Suggested Citation

  • Bogusław Czarny, 2011. "The Debate on the Nature of Welfare Economics in the Contemporary Methodology of Economics," Ekonomia journal, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw, vol. 27.
    • Handle: RePEc:eko:ekoeko:27_3
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    File URL: http://ekonomia.wne.uw.edu.pl/ekonomia/getFile/318
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    5. Hausman,Daniel M. & McPherson,Michael S., 2006. "Economic Analysis, Moral Philosophy and Public Policy," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521846295.
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