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Die Krise der Wirtschaft: Auch eine Krise der Wirtschaftswissenschaften?

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  • Gebhard Kirchgässner

Abstract

Is the economic and financial crisis also a crisis of Economics? From different perspectives, today there is rather harsh criticism of Economics as a Social Science. In this paper, first, some of the recent failures of Economics are discussed. Then some of the criticisms are taken up that are less convincing, in particular criticisms of the application of the economic model of behaviour, the mathematisation of Economics and the principle of value freedom. The appropriate role of the government as well as of competition is discussed, and also which other consequences should be drawn for Economics as a science but also for economic policy. Finally, we debate whether there is, besides the economic crisis, really as crisis of Economics as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Gebhard Kirchgässner, 2009. "Die Krise der Wirtschaft: Auch eine Krise der Wirtschaftswissenschaften?," University of St. Gallen Department of Economics working paper series 2009 2009-18, Department of Economics, University of St. Gallen.
    • Handle: RePEc:usg:dp2009:2009-18
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    Cited by:

    1. Gebhard Kirchgässner, 2013. "Zur Rolle der Ökonometrie in der wissenschaftlichen Politikberatung," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 14(1-2), pages 3-30, February.
    2. Gebhard Kirchgässner, 2011. "Kaderschmieden der Wirtschaft und/oder Universitäten? Der Auftrag der Wirtschaftsuniversitäten und –fakultäten im 21. Jahrhundert," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 12(3), pages 317-337, August.
    3. Feld, Lars P. & Köhler, Ekkehard A., 2011. "Zur Zukunft der Ordnungsökonomik," Freiburg Discussion Papers on Constitutional Economics 11/2, Walter Eucken Institut e.V..
    4. Gebhard Kirchgässner, 2015. "Wissenschaftlicher Fortschritt in den Wirtschaftswissenschaften: Einige Bemerkungen," Schmollers Jahrbuch : Journal of Applied Social Science Studies / Zeitschrift für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften, Duncker & Humblot, Berlin, vol. 135(2), pages 209-248.
    5. Spahn, Peter, 2013. "Subprime and euro crisis: Should we blame the economists?," FZID Discussion Papers 83-2013, University of Hohenheim, Center for Research on Innovation and Services (FZID).
    6. Dürmeier, Thomas, 2012. "Wissenschaftlicher Pluralismus als Entdeckungsverfahren und das Monopol der Modellökonomik," ZÖSS-Discussion Papers 30, University of Hamburg, Centre for Economic and Sociological Studies (CESS/ZÖSS).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic Crisis; Financial Crisis; Economic Theory; Role of the Government; Mathematics; Value Freedom; Pension System.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General
    • H10 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - General

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