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On evolutionary technological change and economic growth: Lakatos as a starting point for appraisal

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  • Sandra Silva

    (CEMPRE, Faculdade de Economia da Universidade do Porto)

Abstract

This paper proposes a reflection on evolutionary technological change and economic growth theory, which starts from the Lakatosian methodology of scientific research programmes (MSRP) as an appraisal criterion. As the persistence of some inflexibility on the approach made difficult to capture fundamental features of that scientific endeavour, it was undertaken an analysis using an alternative framework developed by Hoover (1991). This last frame is used not as a formal methodology but as a language to find patterns in these theories. This exercise evolved then towards some considerations about the confrontation of these evolutionary theories with what can be seen (in a loose sense) as their ‘rival research programme’, the new neoclassical growth models.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandra Silva, 2004. "On evolutionary technological change and economic growth: Lakatos as a starting point for appraisal," FEP Working Papers 139, Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Economia do Porto.
    • Handle: RePEc:por:fepwps:139
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    2. Fabrício Baron Mussi & Andre da Silva Zembro & Aline Alvares Melo, 2017. "Contributions of Philosophy of Science, in the Perspective of Popper and Lakatos, for the Study of Innovation: An Analysis of the Neoclassical Schumpeterian and Neo-schumpeterian Theories," Revista Facultad de Ciencias Económicas, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, vol. 26(1), pages 9-25, December.
    3. Brahmachari, Deborshi, 2016. "Neoclassical Economics as a Method of Scientific Research Program : A review of existing literature," MPRA Paper 75341, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    Evolutionary; economic growth; technological change; Lakatos; Kuhn; research programme.;
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