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Economic science: The challenge of fragmentation

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  • Ananyin, O.

    (HSE University, Moscow, Russia
    The Institute of Economics RAS, Moscow, Russia)

Abstract

Segmentation of economic knowledge tends to transform into its fragmentation and becomes an obstacle for the development of science: it bounds its innovative potential, weakens the connection with practice, and reduces the public authority of economic theory. Hopes for overcoming this trend are often associated with the generality of analytical tools in most social sciences. The paper substantiates the position that the problem of knowledge fragmentation is primarily a problem of barriers between subject areas, while instrumental integration can only facilitate such interactions, but cannot serve a response to the challenge of fragmentation. An alternative strategy is analyzed, it implies an increase in the complexity of knowledge structure, primarily through the development of partial ontologies and "grand theories", providing prerequisites for effective interdisciplinary interactions in the social sciences and intra-disciplinary contacts between the schools within economic science based on different basic ontologies. Specific measures to improve economic education programs aimed at training economists open to interdisciplinary contacts and capable of cooperative work in interdisciplinary teams are proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ananyin, O., 2024. "Economic science: The challenge of fragmentation," Journal of the New Economic Association, New Economic Association, vol. 63(2), pages 193-210.
    • Handle: RePEc:nea:journl:y:2024:i:63:p:193-210
    DOI: 10.31737/22212264_2024_2_193-210
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    differentiation and integration of sciences; knowledge fragmentation; interdisciplinarity; economic ontologies; economic education; teaching economic theory;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology

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