This brief responds to the criticism that mainstream economics is currently facing due to its heavy reliance on models and narrow range of quantitative research techniques. It takes a broader view, identifying issues that are also relevant for heterodox and pluralist approaches to economics. By acknowledging that the world of theory is not the same as the reality that we are trying to understand, the brief focuses on three paths that generally receive little attention. These are: from theory to the real world; from theory to empirical analysis; and from empirical results to policy application. Each path highlights a range of related concerns and qualifications, and the focus on these transitions provides a strong basis for critical evaluation of analyses and potentially more realistic results and recommendations. It also provides a framework for synthesizing information from alternative schools of thought and across disciplines. In addition, the importance of framing and rhetoric is demonstrated. The brief addresses philosophical and methodological issues using a clear, non-technical approach that can be easily understood by a non-specialist audience.
| ISBN: | 9789812871756 |
| Publication date: | 8th September 2014 |
| Author: | Stuart Birks |
| Publisher: | Springer an imprint of Springer Nature Singapore |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 87 pages |
| Series: | SpringerBriefs in Economics |
| Genres: |
Economic theory and philosophy Econometrics and economic statistics Political economy |
This brief responds to the criticism that mainstream economics is currently facing due to its heavy reliance on models and narrow range of quantitative research techniques. It takes a broader view, identifying issues that are also relevant for heterodox and pluralist approaches to economics. By acknowledging that the world of theory is not the same as the reality that we are trying to understand, the brief focuses on three paths that generally receive little attention. These are: from theory to the real world; from theory to empirical analysis; and from empirical results to policy application. Each path highlights a range of related concerns and qualifications, and the focus on these transitions provides a strong basis for critical evaluation of analyses and potentially more realistic results and recommendations. It also provides a framework for synthesizing information from alternative schools of thought and across disciplines. In addition, the importance of framing and rhetoric is demonstrated. The brief addresses philosophical and methodological issues using a clear, non-technical approach that can be easily understood by a non-specialist audience.
Rethinking Economics features in the following genres: Economic theory and philosophy, Econometrics and economic statistics, Political economy
Rethinking Economics is available in Paperback
Rethinking Economics was written by Stuart Birks and published by Springer an imprint of Springer Nature Singapore
Rethinking Economics has 87 pages
Yes it is part of SpringerBriefs in Economics series