A Model of Modeling

Itzhak Gilboa, Andrew Postlewaite, Larry Samuelson () and David Schmeidler
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Larry Samuelson: Department of Economics,Yale University

PIER Working Paper Archive from Penn Institute for Economic Research, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania

Abstract: We propose a formal model of scientific modeling, geared to applications of decision theory and game theory. The model highlights the freedom that modelers have in conceptualizing social phenomena using general paradigms in these fields. It may shed some light on the distinctions between (i) refutation of a theory and a paradigm, (ii) notions of rationality, (iii) modes of application of decision models, and (iv) roles of economics as an academic discipline. Moreover, the model suggests that all four distinctions have some common features that are captured by the model.

Keywords: Methodology; Models; Economic Modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: B40 B41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 50 pages
Date: 2014-09-13
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cbe, nep-exp and nep-hpe
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pen:papers:14-026

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