 The methodology of neoclassical economics: a contemporary discourseVasil Todorov Economic Thought journal, 2022, issue 1, 7-27 Abstract: The article presents a summarized characteristics of neoclassical economics methodology, its components, and expressed views. The identified core features of economic methodology are: apriorism; deductivism, a priori deductivism; axiomatic/postulate method; axiomatic-deductive theory building; mathematical formalization; the concept of true theory, typical for neo-classics; instrumentality; theory testing through predictions of its effect, automation, reduction and methodological individualism; ignoring the community and natural environment. Conclusions are made that (1) the leading impact factor for neoclassical economics growth is a priori and axiomatic deductivism in particular (and not methodological individualism, as commonly accepted) and (2) the primary reasons for the development of neoclassical economics in the second half of the 20th century till now, as an instrumental and not an explanatory theory, and its discrepancy with reality, are mainly due to the methodology. A question is raised: what kind of theory – instrumental or explanatory – should be taught in universities and dominate in the expert, macro-management and public space? JEL-codes: A10 B41 (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bas:econth:y:2022:i:1:p:7-27 Access Statistics for this article More articles in Economic Thought journal from Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute Contact information at EDIRC. |
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