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Reflexivity, complexity, and the nature of social science

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  • Eric D. Beinhocker

Abstract

In 1987, George Soros introduced his concepts of reflexivity and fallibility and has further developed and applied these concepts over subsequent decades. This paper attempts to build on Soros's framework, provide his concepts with a more precise definition, and put them in the context of recent thinking on complex adaptive systems. The paper proposes that systems can be classified along a 'spectrum of complexity' and that under specific conditions not only social systems but also natural and artificial systems can be considered 'complex reflexive.' The epistemological challenges associated with scientifically understanding a phenomenon stem not from whether its domain is social, natural, or artificial, but where it falls along this spectrum. Reflexive systems present particular challenges; however, evolutionary model-dependent realism provides a bridge between Soros and Popper and a potential path forward for economics.

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  • Eric D. Beinhocker, 2013. "Reflexivity, complexity, and the nature of social science," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(4), pages 330-342, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jecmet:v:20:y:2013:i:4:p:330-342
    DOI: 10.1080/1350178X.2013.859403
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    Cited by:

    1. Citera, Emanuele & Sau, Lino, 2019. "Complexity, Conventions and Instability: the role of monetary policy," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis. Working Papers 201924, University of Turin.
    2. Malinovskii, Vsevolod K., 2015. "Business planning for a profit-seeking insurer under deficiency of information," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 215-226.
    3. Malinovskii, Vsevolod K., 2015. "On rational pricing for a profit-seeking insurer in the year of hard market," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 107-117.
    4. Len Fisher & Anders Sandberg, 2022. "A Safe Governance Space for Humanity: Necessary Conditions for the Governance of Global Catastrophic Risks," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 13(5), pages 792-807, November.
    5. Lin, Wanlin & Lin, George C.S., 2023. "Strategizing actors and agents in the functioning of informal property Rights: The tragicomedy of the extralegal housing market in China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    6. Cameron Hepburn & Eric Beinhocker & J. Doyne Farmer & Alexander Teytelboym, 2014. "Resilient and Inclusive Prosperity within Planetary Boundaries," China & World Economy, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 22(5), pages 76-92, September.
    7. Félix-Fernando Muñoz & María-Isabel Encinar, 2019. "Some elements for a definition of an evolutionary efficiency criterion," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 29(3), pages 919-937, July.

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