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Two Theorems on Ceteris Paribus in the Analysis of Dynamic Systems

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  • Fisher, Franklin M.
  • Ando, Albert

Abstract

Analysis of the dynamic properties of two or more interrelated systems is a recurrent problem in social science theory. A particular problem frequently arises (although it often goes unrecognized) in assessing the validity of an analysis of a system, some variables of which are causally related to other variables, which latter, in turn, are either not explicitly taken into account or are assumed constant. Examples are easy to find: economists may study the behavior of a single country's economy with only secondary regard for the rest of the world; studies of group behavior may pay only secondary attention to the other roles played by the group members in other contexts; two more examples are worked out below and others may be found in the works about to be cited. Indeed, in a larger sense, the division of social science itself (or of natural science, for that matter) into separate disciplines is an example, for the variables taken as given by one discipline are the very subject matter of another and vice versa. In all these examples, the very real problem is present that if variables taken as given are causally affected by the variables of the system being analyzed, or if variables assumed not to affect that system actually do affect it, the results of the analysis may have little relevance for the study of real problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Fisher, Franklin M. & Ando, Albert, 1962. "Two Theorems on Ceteris Paribus in the Analysis of Dynamic Systems," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 56(1), pages 108-113, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:apsrev:v:56:y:1962:i:01:p:108-113_07
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    Cited by:

    1. J Brian McLoughlin & Judith N Webster, 1970. "Cybernetic and General-System Approaches to Urban and Regional Research: A Review of the Literature," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 2(4), pages 369-408, December.
    2. Fabio Cerina, 2009. "Marshall'S Ceteris Paribus In A Dynamic Framework," Metroeconomica, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(1), pages 24-53, February.
    3. Ivano Cardinale, 2022. "Vulnerability, Resilience and ‘Systemic Interest’: a Connectivity Approach," Networks and Spatial Economics, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 691-707, September.

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