A Realist Philosophy of Economics

by Karl Mittermaier

Overview

EPUB and EPDF available Open Access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

Economic theory relies heavily on the idea of rational action, but how are we to understand the empirical content of rational choice when we can only observe the outcome, not what goes into making the choice?

With contributions from Alan Kirman and Rod O'Donnell, Karl Mittermaier's posthumously published work establishes a new conceptual framework that will enable economic theorists to forge new paths of empirical analysis.

Introducing readers to the work of a profound thinker who was not recognized in his lifetime, this book, featuring previously unpublished material, is poised to become a seminal text in the philosophy of social sciences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529234428
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	09/22/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	204
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Karl Mittermaier (1938–2016) was affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, for over thirty years until 2002 when he retired.

Table of Contents

Foreword - Isabella Mittermaier

Extended Preface: A Realistic Attitude to the Economy - Alan Kirman

Prologue: Mittermaier’s Conceptual Framework - Rod O’Donnell

1. Institutions and the Empirical Content of Economics

2. Ex Post and Ex Ante Facts

3. Structure and Equilibrium

4. Rational Action

5. Variant Conceptions of Preferences

6. The Genetic Understanding and Institutions

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Seldom will an almost-lost time capsule from 50 years ago have been as prescient, original and thought-provoking as this book. This is a significant contribution to the methodology of economics that anyone with even a passing interest in the subject should read." Jochen Runde, University of Cambridge

"This is not merely a work in economic methodology; it should be regarded as a classic in the philosophy of economics. Truly outstanding!" Nils Goldschmidt, University of Siegen

Editorial Reviews

"Seldom will an almost-lost time capsule from 50 years ago have been as prescient, original and thought-provoking as this book. This is a significant contribution to the methodology of economics that anyone with even a passing interest in the subject should read." Jochen Runde, University of Cambridge

"This is not merely a work in economic methodology; it should be regarded as a classic in the philosophy of economics. Truly outstanding!" Nils Goldschmidt, University of Siegen

From the Publisher