Structure, Evidence, and Heuristic: Evolutionary Biology, Economics, and the Philosophy of Their Relationship

This book explores the philosophy of science underlying evolutionary economics, dividing it into three forms: structural, evidential, and heuristic. It analyzes five examples of work in evolutionary economics and demonstrates how linking evolutionary biology and economics can be a powerful methodological tool for understanding economics questions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book is the first comprehensive exploration of the philosophical foundations of evolutionary economics. While it does not advocate an evolutionary approach to economics, it critically assesses the epistemic value of incorporating insights from evolutionary biology into the broader field of economics. The author skillfully divides the work in evolutionary economics into three distinct yet interconnected forms: structural, evidential, and heuristic.

In the structural form, the author delves into the parallels between natural selection and economic decision-making, as well as the similarities between natural selection and market competition. He examines how these mechanisms shape the economic landscape and influence the behavior of individuals and organizations.

The evidential form takes a closer look at the relationship between animal and human economic decision-making, exploring the evolutionary explanations for the diversity of human economic choices. By examining the evolutionary foundations of human behavior, the author sheds light on the mechanisms that drive economic outcomes and provides valuable insights into the complexities of human decision-making processes.

Finally, the heuristic form focuses on the plausibility of equilibrium modeling in evolutionary ecology and economics. By drawing upon principles from these fields, the author demonstrates how linking evolutionary biology and economics can be a powerful methodological tool for advancing our understanding of various economic questions.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars and advanced students engaged in the philosophy of science, philosophy of social science, evolutionary biology, and economics. It offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the intersection between these disciplines, providing valuable insights into the future of economic research and policy.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367492540