by Does one have to use mathematics to be scientific? We have good reason to suppose that the scope of relevance of mathematics is very limited indeed in them social realm. For example, it can be demonstrated that not only the poor success rate of modern economics, but also the phenomenon of modern economists repeatedly making assumptions known to be wildly false, are due to mathematical methods being employed where they do not fit …The students’ ‘complaint’ is that, in modern academic economics departments, mathematical modelling is pursued for its own sake. They argue, and I agree, that we should start with (or at least not neglect insights concerning) the nature of reality. The point is not to reject mathematical methods a priori, but to use such methods
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Lars Pålsson Syll considers the following as important: Economics
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Does one have to use mathematics to be scientific?
We have good reason to suppose that the scope of relevance of mathematics is very limited indeed in them social realm. For example, it can be demonstrated that not only the poor success rate of modern economics, but also the phenomenon of modern economists repeatedly making assumptions known to be wildly false, are due to mathematical methods being employed where they do not fit …The students’ ‘complaint’ is that, in modern academic economics departments, mathematical modelling is pursued for its own sake. They argue, and I agree, that we should start with (or at least not neglect insights concerning) the nature of reality. The point is not to reject mathematical methods a priori, but to use such methods as and when appropriate.
One final point. I have set out a conception of science that some will contest. It is possible indeed that it will prove inadequate. Or time may show that my pessimism about the relevance of mathematical modelling for economics is unfounded. All knowledge is fallible, after all. But to recognise that any argument or claim can turn out to be wrong is to acknowledge, at the same time, a need for a non-dogmatic, indeed more pluralistic, approach in the academy …
The objective is not to replace one dogma by another. Certainly it is not an a priori rejection of the use of mathematics in economics. Even less is it a rejection of the possibility of economics as science. And nor is anyone suggesting an abandonment of standards of rigour in the return to relevance. Rather, the goal is simply to open up the economics academy to a more intellectual orientation, allowing, in particular, the combining of high standards of research with a return to variety and greater (albeit critically informed) pluralism in method.