The Foundations of Economic Method

Contents
Brenna, Alana and Irene
Acknowledgements page v
Preface vi
Introduction: Understanding the Methodology of Economics 1
Part I: THE ‘HIDDEN AGENDA’ OF
NEOCLASSICALECONOMICS
1 The Problem of Induction vs. the Problem
with Induction 13
2 The Explanatory Problem of Individualism 27
Part II: METHODOLOGY IN NEOCLASSICAL
ECONOMIC THEORY
3 Psychologism vs. Disequilibrium Models 47
4 Expectations and Theories of
Knowledge 66
5 The ‘Necessity’ of Microfoundations for
Macroeconomics 79
6 Time and Economic Theory 95
Part III: CONVENTIONALIST METHODOLOGY
IN ECONOMICS
7 Positive Economics as Optimistic
Conventionalism 115
8 Analytical Theory as Defeatist
Conventionalism 129
9 Instrumentalism as a Rejection of
Conventionalism 141
Part IV: THE FOLLY OF AN ALL-PURPOSE
METHODOLOGY
10 Contemporary Methodology vs. Popper’s
Philosophy of Science 155
11 Putting Popper on the Agenda 174
12 Problem-Dependent Methodology 188
Bibliography 197
Names Index 205
Subject Index 207