Loading...
Please wait, while we are loading the content...
Similar Documents
Alternative Microeconomics – Part 1, Chapter 3 – Ways of Knowing I Introduction to Ways of Knowing
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Knowledge about economic phenomena is imperfect. The problem of knowing is not unique to economics. An understanding of the methods by which knowledge is accumulated aids in the identification of potential biases and weaknesses of any discipline or field of study. Academic disciplines, like individuals, can benefit from introspection. By examining our values, objectives, and methods of achieving those goals, we better understand ourselves, consider other perspectives and hopefully improve the discipline. The study of methodology and epistemology provides a process by which this introspection of economics as an academic discipline can proceed. Any understanding of the methods used in economics requires some introduction to a few important contributions to the literature on the process of knowing. It is a fundamental part of cultural literacy in a world dominated by " science " and the " scientific method. " A brief summary of some of the basic concepts and major contributors is presented here. There is a long history of various approaches to the study of the economy. These approaches are not self contained, isolated bits of knowledge; they are extensions of and reactions to earlier approaches in economics and other fields. The process of " knowing " is difficult. Two questions that should be paramount are: What do I know? How do I know what I think I know? Epistemology is the study of the origin, nature, methods and limits of knowledge. There are several approaches to the study of processes that contribute to knowing; the history of science and the sociology of knowledge are two closely related fields. Methodology is one aspect of epistemology. Methodology is generally seen as the system of values, beliefs, principles and rules that guide analysis within a given discipline. The methodology(ies) that prevails within a discipline plays a major role in the nature of questions that are asked as well as the answers that are offered. There is a large and growing body of literature on methodology in philosophy and the sciences (both natural and social). This trend has also influenced economics. Many economists have participated in the explorations into methodology and epistemology. One explanation for a renewed interest in methodology in economics is that the basic processes created to explain the development of market systems and mature industrial economies may need to be adjusted if there are significant structural changes in the economy. The study of the history of economic thought and … |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://cobe.boisestate.edu/lreynol/WEB/PDF/short_3_knowing.pdf |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://cobe.boisestate.edu/lreynol/WEB/PDF/short_3_knowing.pdf |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
