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Methodological issues in theorising the financial, economic and social system: realistic and systematic abstraction

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  • Andrew Brown

    (University of Leeds, UK)

Abstract

The global financial and economic crisis, and in particular the perceived failure of economics to predict the crisis, has led to questioning of the methodology of economics. Some have championed the methodological approach of ‘critical realism’ as fostering a more realistic economic theory than that currently predominant. This paper will argue that, whilst critical realism correctly poses the need for realistic abstraction, critical realism fails to deliver because it does not offer any aid towards systematic abstraction (despite proponents’ claims to the contrary). The application of critical realism can readily identify myriad relevant aspects of the crisis (financial, economic, political, social, psychological, local, national, international, short-run, medium-run, long-run and so on). Yet, critical realism precludes any adequate comprehension of how these myriad aspects cohere to constitute the capitalist system as a whole. The paper goes on to argue that critical realism corrupts an approach (appropriately termed ‘system abstraction’) which can genuinely aid the development of economic theory that is both realistic and systematic. This superior approach aids system-wide theory by offering a step-by-step method that begins with an abstract conception of ‘value’ and moves towards a concrete comprehension of the world market.

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  • Andrew Brown, 2013. "Methodological issues in theorising the financial, economic and social system: realistic and systematic abstraction," Working papers wpaper03, Financialisation, Economy, Society & Sustainable Development (FESSUD) Project.
    • Handle: RePEc:fes:wpaper:wpaper03
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. D. Colander & H. Follmer & A. Haas & M. Goldberg & K. Juselius & A. Kirman & T. Lux & B. Sloth, 2010. "The Financial Crisis and the Systemic Failure of Academic Economics," Voprosy Ekonomiki, NP Voprosy Ekonomiki, issue 6.
    2. Andrew Brown & Gary Slater & David A. Spencer, 2002. "Driven to abstraction? Critical realism and the search for the 'inner connection' of social phenomena," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 26(6), pages 773-788, November.
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    5. Geert Reuten, 2004. "“Zirkel vicieux” or Trend Fall? The Course of the Profit Rate in Marx's Capital III," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 36(1), pages 163-186, Spring.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    critical realism; capitalist system; abstraction; synthesis; value;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General
    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • B50 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - General
    • G00 - Financial Economics - - General - - - General
    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises
    • P00 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - General - - - General

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