Consistency and incompleteness in general equilibrium theory

Simone Landini (), Mauro Gallegati and J. Barkley Rosser
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Simone Landini: IRES Piemonte

Journal of Evolutionary Economics, 2020, vol. 30, issue 1, No 9, 205-230

Abstract: Abstract We consider the implications for general equilibrium theory of the problems of consistency and completeness as shown in the Gödel-Rosser theorems of the 1930s. That a rigorous consistent formal system is incomplete poses serious problems for dealing with unresolved problems in a fully formal system such as general equilibrium theory. We review the underlying mathematical issues and apply them to this problem for general equilibrium theory. We also consider alternative approaches such as agent-based modeling founded on empirically estimated behavioral assumptions for agents that may allow for a better way to model non-equilibrium evolutionary economic dynamics.

Keywords: Axiomatic formal system; Consistency; Incompleteness; Gödel-Rosser’s theorems; General equilibrium theory; Agent-based modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: B2 B3 C6 D5 N01 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00191-018-0580-6

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