The dispute over the objective existence of objects of economics. An argument in favor of essentialism Cover Image

Spór o obiektywne istnienie obiektów teorii ekonomicznych. Argument na rzecz esencjalizmu
The dispute over the objective existence of objects of economics. An argument in favor of essentialism

Author(s): Mariusz Maziarz
Subject(s): Economy, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Wielkopolska Rada Młodzieży
Keywords: realism in economics

Summary/Abstract: The ontology of objects postulated by economic theories is considered in this article. The author presents various possibilities to answer the question of realism in economics. The philosophical implications of a few solutions as well arguments for and against are discussed. Milton Friedman’s instrumentalism, Deidre McCloskey’s rhetorical image of economics Donald MacKenzie’s performativity and scientific realism advocated by Uskali Maki are the most influential ways of answering the question if objects of economic theory exist in reality. The author suggests taking into consideration the Aristotle’s point of view i. e. essentialism, where essences of firms, rational consumers and other objects of the economics are described by axioms. Other properties, e. g. the systmatic prediction errors, irrational decisions, misperceptions of market risks, are accidental.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 27-38
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Polish