Methodology and History of Economics: Reflections with and without Rules Essays in Honour of D. Wade Hands

This edited volume explores Wade Hands' influential work, examining the changing relationship between methodology and the history of economics in connection with contemporary developments. It explores Hands' research on Paul Samuelson, the philosophical foundations of pragmatist thinking, and the methodological import of behavioural economics. The contributors show how Hands' insights in complexity theory, identity, and stratification are key to understanding a reconfigured economic methodology and provide a platform for interrogating mainstream economics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This edited collection delves into the profound and influential work of Wade Hands, exploring the intricate relationship between methodology and the history of economics in the context of contemporary economic developments. The book is organized into four distinct parts, each dedicated to a crucial theme central to Hands' work.

The first part delves into the far-reaching impact and significance of Reflection without Rules, a seminal work that sparked a lively debate about the guiding principles of methodological and philosophical thinking in economics. Contributors analyze the book's influence on the field, highlighting the diverse perspectives and insights it offered.

The second part examines Hands' research on Paul Samuelson, focusing on the methodological dimensions of Samuelson's thinking. The authors explore Hands' interpretation of Samuelson's contributions and how his insights into complexity theory, identity, and stratification shape the development of economic methodology.

Part three explores Hands' longstanding interest in the philosophical foundations of pragmatist thinking. Contributors examine how Hands' understanding of pragmatism informs his approach to economics, highlighting the relevance of his ideas in the contemporary context.

The final part addresses Hands' more recent research in the methodological implications of the emergence of behavioural economics. The authors explore how Hands' insights into complexity theory, identity, and stratification contribute to a reimagined economic methodology, offering a humanistic yet scientific alternative to mainstream economics.

Through the contributions of esteemed scholars, this volume demonstrates how Hands' insights into complexity theory, identity, and stratification play a pivotal role in understanding a reconfigured economic methodology. It also highlights his willingness to draw from multiple academic disciplines, providing a platform for interrogating mainstream economics and paving the way for a more humane and scientific alternative.

This unique volume is of utmost importance to advanced students and researchers in social economics, history of economic thought, economic methodology, political economy, and philosophy of social science. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Wade Hands' work, providing valuable insights into the evolving relationship between methodology and the history of economics in the contemporary era.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032209463