Objectivity in Economics: On the Choice of a Scientific Method

Authors

Daniel K. Finn, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1979

Disciplines

Economics | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

“In discussions on the nature of economics, we frequently hear that a single methodological position is superior to all others, because it alone embodies the scientific method. We can usually count on a methodological statement to assert its authenticity as an offspring of “the scientific method.” To support this assertion, the similar claims of other positions are repudiated either as outright pretenders or as well-meaning but simple-minded progeny of an illicit union between science and errant philosophical belief. It is an assertion of this paper that the scientific method does not exist; or rather, that there are several different methods of science possible. This is particularly true in the social sciences, and once such an assertion has been demonstrated and accepted, a redefinition of “objectivity” in orthodox economics is required.”

Comments

DOI:10.1080/00346767900000004

The author is listed in this article as “Daniel Rush Finn.”

Recommended Citation

Finn, Daniel K. "Objectivity in Economics: On the Choice of a Scientific Method." Review of Social Economy 37, no. 1 (April 1979): 37-61. doi:10.1080/00346767900000004.