Economics 877-4

Methodology in Economic Theory

Instructor: L.A. Boland

Course Description:

This will be a seminar devoted to the discussion of the methodology and modern philosophy of science applied to economics. The readings will be divided into two parts. The first part is devoted to understanding Karl Popper’s challenge to traditional philosophy of science. Readings will be drawn from one of Popper’s main works and the works of two of his principle students. The second part will explore the legacy of Popper’s philosophy of science in the study of economics and the history of economic thought.

Readings for Part 1 will include:

Popper, Conjectures and Refutations: The Growth of Scientific Knowledge, 1965, Introduction and chapters 1, 2, 3, 10 and 11.

Agassi, ‘Sensationalism’ 1966

Bartley, ‘Theories of demarcation between science and metaphysics’, 1968

Boland, ‘Scientific thinking without scientific method: two views of Popper’, 1994

Readings for Part 2 will include:

Agassi, ‘Methodological individualism’ 1960

Agassi, ‘Institutional individualism’ 1975

Agassi, ‘Tautology and testability in economics’ 1971

Boland, ‘Understanding the Popperian legacy in economics’, 1992

Optional Background Readings:

Boland, Foundations of Economic Method (free copy available at http://www.sfu.ca/~boland/book1.htm)

Boland, Methodology of Economic Model Building (free copy available at http://www.sfu.ca/~boland/book3.htm)

Boland, Critical Economic Methodology (1997, Routledge)