Conclusion

Abstract

In this concluding section I will consider some possible directions that future methodological discussions could take. I have argued elsewhere (Pheby, 1986) that considerations of economic methodology have been too strongly influenced by the natural sciences. What is required is the development of our own distinct methodologies. We have seen above the long history of ‘naturalism’ within economics, but very few economists have bothered to evaluate critically whether this has benefited economics. There seems to be an implicit belief that if only we can imitate the natural sciences then their success will somehow rub off on to economics.