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Machlup's misrepresentation of Hutchison's methodology

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  • John Hart

Abstract

Hutchison's 1938 essay has been mainly interpreted as introducing positivism and ultra-empiricism into economics. Such interpretations misrepresent his position. While he clearly drew on logical positivism, his methodology stems from a more moderate form of empiricism. However the issue at stake is not the exact degree of Hutchison's empiricism, but rather the extent to which such negative labelling has trivialised his position and distracted attention from the main concern of his 1938 essay. This was to mount a sustained and systematic criticism of the traditional abstract-deductive method in economics. In its place Hutchison sought to promote a more empirical, inductive approach. The paper is concerned with demonstrating the extent to which Machlup failed to provide evidence of Hutchison's ultra-empiricism. It thereby seeks to clear the way towards a reappraisal of Hutchison's methodology and towards a reappraisal of its relevance in our post-positivist era.

Suggested Citation

  • John Hart, 2009. "Machlup's misrepresentation of Hutchison's methodology," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(3), pages 325-340.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jecmet:v:16:y:2009:i:3:p:325-340
    DOI: 10.1080/13501780903129314
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dow, Sheila, 2002. "Economic Methodology: An Inquiry," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198776123.
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    Cited by:

    1. D. Wade Hands, 2009. "Introduction," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(3), pages 287-291.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    B20; B40; B41;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B20 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - General
    • B40 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - General
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology

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