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“It’s Computers, Stupid!†The Spread of Computers and the Changing Roles of Theoretical and Applied Economics

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  • Roger E. Backhouse
  • Béatrice Cherrier

Abstract

This article challenges the widely held notion that developments in computing are sufficient to explain the recent turn to applied economics. Advances in computer hardware were undoubtedly necessary, and they were sufficient to ensure that there were significant changes in economists’ practices, but to explain how and why economics changed, other factors need to be considered. It conjectures that the most profound effect of the increased availability of computers may have been to challenge the boundary between theory and applied work.

Suggested Citation

  • Roger E. Backhouse & Béatrice Cherrier, 2017. "“It’s Computers, Stupid!†The Spread of Computers and the Changing Roles of Theoretical and Applied Economics," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 49(5), pages 103-126, Supplemen.
    • Handle: RePEc:hop:hopeec:v:49:y:2017:i:5:p:103-126
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