 Veblen's Evolutionary Programme: A Promise UnfulfilledCambridge Journal of Economics, 1998, vol. 22, issue 4, 463-77 Abstract: This article examines in detail the way in which Veblen attempted to give theoretical expression to the program for an evolutionary economics that he outlined in methodological terms in his 1898 essay 'Why is Economics Not an Evolutionary Science?' Veblen's conception of 'Darwinian' methodological principles led him to attempt to develop a theory of institutional evolution that was purely 'causal' in nature. This theory was never satisfactorily developed by Veblen. At base, his theory was one of new technology changing economic conditions, and new economic conditions leading to new ways of thinking and to new institutions through a (non-intentional) process of 'habituation.' Those who attempted to follow Veblen, such as Hoxie and Mitchell, found difficulties with the key aspects of this theory, and both men came to abandon it. Institutionalism in the interwar period is devoid of attempts to develop Veblen's theory, and Veblen's program remained a promise unfulfilled. Copyright 1998 by Oxford University Press. Date: 1998 There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it. Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:oup:cambje:v:22:y:1998:i:4:p:463-77 Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from Access Statistics for this article Cambridge Journal of Economics is currently edited by Jacqui Lagrue More articles in Cambridge Journal of Economics from Cambridge Political Economy Society Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP, UK. |
Is your work missing from RePEc? Here is how to contribute.
Questions or problems? Check the EconPapers FAQ or send mail to .
EconPapers is hosted by the
School of Business at Örebro University.