1st Edition

What is Neoclassical Economics? Debating the origins, meaning and significance

Edited By Jamie Morgan Copyright 2016
    336 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    336 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Despite some diversification modern economics still attracts a great deal of criticism. This is largely due to highly unrealistic assumptions underpinning economic theory, explanatory failure, poor policy framing, and a dubious focus on prediction. Many argue that flaws continue to owe much of their shortcomings to neoclassical economics. As a result, what we mean by neoclassical economics remains a significant issue. This collection addresses the issue from a new perspective, taking as its point of departure Tony Lawson’s essay ‘What is this ‘school’ called neoclassical economics?’. 

    Few terms are as controversial for pluralist and heterodox economists as neoclassical economics. This controversy has many aspects because the term itself has different specifications and connotations. Within this multiplicity what we mean by neoclassical matters to pluralist and heterodox economists for two primary reasons. First, because it informs how we view and critique the mainstream; second, because the relationship between heterodox and mainstream economics influences how heterodox economists model, apply methods and construct theory. The chapters in this collection each have different things to say about these matters, with contributions ranging across the work of key thinkers, such as Thorstein Veblen and Kenneth Arrow, applied issues of non-linear modelling of dynamic systems, and key events in the history of economics.

    This book will be of use to those interested in methodology, political economy, heterodoxy, and the history of economic thought.

    1. What is this school called neoclassical economics? Tony Lawson 2. From neoclassical theory to mainstream modelling: fifty years of moral hazard in perspective John Latsis and Constantinos Repapis 3. Neo-classicism, critical realism and the Cambridge methodological tradition Sheila Dow 4. Lawson, Veblen and Marshall: How to read modern Neoclassicalism Anne Mayhew 5. Lawson on Veblen on social ontology John B. Davis 6. Why is this school called neoclassical economics? Classicism and neoclassicism in historical context Nuno Ornelas Martins 7. Ten Propositions on ‘Neoclassical’ Economics John King 8. Neoclassical Economics:  An Elephant is not a Chimera But is a Chimera Real? Ben Fine 9. The State of Nature and Natural States – ideology and formalism in the critique of neoclassical economics Brian O’ Boyle and Terrence McDonough 10. Heterodox economics, social ontology, and the use of mathematics Mark Setterfield 11. Is Neoclassical Economics mathematical? Is there a non-Neoclassical mathematical economics? Steve Keen 12. Neoclacissism forever Don Ross 13. Reflections upon Neoclassical Labour Economics Steve Fleetwood

    Biography

    Jamie Morgan is Reader at the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Leeds Beckett University, UK.

    ‘What is neo-classical economics? Does the term pick out a coherent body of economic thought, a specific methodological stance or some more general distinctive position? Tony Lawson in a startlingly original contribution not only considers the origins of the term but shows how reflection on its meaning might be deployed to clarify the confused state of the contemporary academic discipline. In this excellent new collection a number of prominent economists and/or philosophers engage Lawson’s analysis. The result is essential reading for all those seeking to understand the nature of modern economics and/or wanting something better.’ — Dr. Stephen Pratten, King's College London, UK

     

    ‘Coming to terms with the concept of neoclassical economics is essential in understanding the continuing evolution of modern economics. Drawing on the traditions of political economy, economic methodology and the history of economic thought, this important and innovative volume is an excercise in pluralism. No consensus emerges, but the reader is left better equipped to compehend the different meanings of, and different perspectives on, this elusive concept.’ — Professor Dimitris Milonakis, University of Crete, Greece