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Open and closed systems and the Cambridge School

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  • Vinca Bigo

Abstract

In recent years a group of researchers at Cambridge (UK) have (re)introduced conceptions of open and closed systems into economics. In doing so they have employed these categories in ways that, in my assessment, both facilitate a significant critique of current disciplinary practices and also point to more fruitful ways of proceeding. In an issue of this journal, Andrew Mearman has advanced three criticisms of the Cambridge position which, if valid, would seriously undermine this assessment. Below I defend the Cambridge position against Mearman's criticisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Vinca Bigo, 2006. "Open and closed systems and the Cambridge School," Review of Social Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 64(4), pages 493-514.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rsocec:v:64:y:2006:i:4:p:493-514
    DOI: 10.1080/00346760601024468
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tony Lawson, 1999. "Feminism, Realism, and Universalism," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 5(2), pages 25-59.
    2. Tony Lawson, 2006. "The nature of heterodox economics," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 30(4), pages 483-505, July.
    3. Sheila C. Dow & Victoria Chick, 2012. "The Meaning of Open Systems," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Foundations for New Economic Thinking, chapter 11, pages 178-196, Palgrave Macmillan.
    4. Tony Lawson, 2003. "Ontology and Feminist Theorizing," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(1), pages 119-150.
    5. Sheila C. Dow, 1999. "Post Keynesianism and Critical Realism: What Is the Connection?," Journal of Post Keynesian Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(1), pages 15-33, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Agustina Borella, 2012. "Isolation and economic models in critical realism," Economía, Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales (IIES). Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales. Universidad de Los Andes. Mérida, Venezuela, vol. 37(34), pages 139-152, july-dece.
    2. Lynne Chester, 2019. "Judging Heterodox Economics: A Response to Hodgson's Criticisms," Economic Thought, World Economics Association, vol. 8(1), pages 1-21, June.

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