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Do economists suffer from physics envy?

Author

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  • Philip Mirowski

    (University of Notre Dame, USA)

Abstract

This paper summarizes and expands upon the thesis found in the author's More Heat Than Light (1989) that the origins and rise to dominance of the neoclassical orthodoxy has been intimately linked to the histOly of physics. Problems of »physics envy» include a certain contempt for the history of economics, a tendency towards the uncritical appropriation of a limited range of mathematical formalisms, and constant intrusions by physical scientists seeking to upgrade the scientific status of the discipline.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip Mirowski, 1992. "Do economists suffer from physics envy?," Finnish Economic Papers, Finnish Economic Association, vol. 5(1), pages 61-68, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:fep:journl:v:5:y:1992:i:1:p:61-68
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    File URL: http://taloustieteellinenyhdistys.fi/images/stories/fep/f1992_1f.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Colander, David & Klamer, Arjo, 1987. "The Making of an Economist," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 1(2), pages 95-111, Fall.
    2. Colander, David, 2003. "The Aging of an Economist," Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Cambridge University Press, vol. 25(2), pages 157-176, June.
    3. Earlene Craver & Axel Leijonhufvud, 1987. "Economics in America: the Continental Influence," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 19(2), pages 173-182, Summer.
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    Cited by:

    1. Stavros A. DRAKOPOULOS, 2016. "Economic crisis, economic methodology and the scientific ideal of physics," The Journal of Philosophical Economics, Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, The Journal of Philosophical Economics, vol. 10(1), pages 28-57, November.

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