Document Type
Contribution to Book
Language
eng
Format of Original
23 cm.
Publication Date
12-2015
Publisher
Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Source Publication
What is Neoclassical Economics? Debating the Origins, Meaning and Significance
Source ISSN
9781138962095
Abstract
This paper discusses Lawson’s use of Veblen’s concept of ‘neoclassical economics’ and argument that the category of neoclassical economics should be jettisoned on the grounds that it obfuscates effective critique of mainstream economics. The paper links Lawson’s critique of closed systems and Veblen’s cumulative causation view by offering a reflexivity, feedback loop formulation of the latter aimed at overcoming the pre-Socratic dichotomy between Heraclitian and Parmenidean ontological thinking. The paper then reviews what this implies for three key social ontology doctrines: social reality as processual and highly transient; emergence and the appearance of novelty; the internal relatedness of social reality. Final remarks address the use of the ‘neoclassical economics’ concept.
Recommended Citation
Davis, John B., "Lawson on Veblen on Social Ontology" (2015). Economics Faculty Research and Publications. 511.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/econ_fac/511
Comments
Accepted version. "Lawson on Veblen on Social Ontology," in What is Neoclassical Economics? Debating the Origins, Meaning and Significance. Ed. Jamie Morgan. New York: Routledge, 2015. Publisher Link. © 2015 Taylor & Francis (Routledge). Used with permission.