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�Openness� as a Methodological Principle of Sraffa�s Economic Thinking

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  • John B. Davis

    (Department of Economics Marquette University)

Abstract

This paper discusses the impact of Sraffa�s thinking on economics. It argues increasing specialization in research is producing an �all trees, no forest� fragmentation of economics that creates opportunities for a return to concerns that motivated classical political economy. It associates this with a methodological conception of what a more pluralistic economics involves, and applies this to relationships between production and distribution. A methodological conception of �openness� is traced to a 1931 turning point in Sraffa�s thinking when he used an open-closed distinction to explain the relationship between production and distribution, and engaged in a philosophy of science reasoning reminiscent of systems theory. The paper argues there are important parallels between Sraffa and Gramsci�s thinking regarding the open-closed distinction.

Suggested Citation

  • John B. Davis, 2019. "�Openness� as a Methodological Principle of Sraffa�s Economic Thinking," Working Papers and Research 2019-03, Marquette University, Center for Global and Economic Studies and Department of Economics.
  • Handle: RePEc:mrq:wpaper:2019-03
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    File URL: https://epublications.marquette.edu/econ_workingpapers/68
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Sraffa; political economy; fragmentation; open-closed; pluralism; Gramsci;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B2 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925
    • B4 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology
    • B5 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches

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