De l'équilibre général comme « branche de la métaphysique ». Ou de l'opinion de Pareto sur le projet walrasien

This essay is an attempt at ?revisiting? some aspects of the theoretical, analytical and epistemological differences between the two founding fathers of general equilibrium theory. In part I, some factual elements of the brief personal, intellectual and scientific relationships between the two great theorists are recalled. In part II, and using as a guide Pareto?s correspondence and his references to Walras?s works, the article examines a wide range of critiques addressed by Pareto at Walras and at his theoretical system. In particular, and sometimes very critically, Pareto assesses in turn Walras?s use of mathematics, the hypotheses underpinning his pure economics and quite a few technical problems linked to general equilibrium theory (notably the stability problem linked to the tâtonnement), and, last but not least, the crucial link established by Walras between general equilibrium and his political philosophy. In the last and conclusive part, more systematic reflections are offered on the widely conflicting epistemologies Walras and Pareto attributed to their yet very similar versions of the general equilibrium model. Classification JEL : B16 ; B31 ; B40 ; D50