Another one on methodology.I, my view, Tim Harford is basically correct in thinking that the optimal methodological approach in economics, as in the social sciences, is to "let a hundred flowers bloom," to borrow a metaphor from Chairman Mao. But from the POV of the "hard" sciences, "soft science" is not "real" science. That is drawing lines arbitrarily. It basically says that the other "sciences" are not physics or chemistry. Well, doh. Anyway, the post is worth a read. It takes off from a recent paper by George Akerlof.Tim Harford — The Undercover EconomistHow economics can raise its gameTim Harford, FT columinst
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Mike Norman considers the following as important: economic methodology, George Akerlof
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Another one on methodology.
I, my view, Tim Harford is basically correct in thinking that the optimal methodological approach in economics, as in the social sciences, is to "let a hundred flowers bloom," to borrow a metaphor from Chairman Mao. But from the POV of the "hard" sciences, "soft science" is not "real" science. That is drawing lines arbitrarily. It basically says that the other "sciences" are not physics or chemistry. Well, doh.
Tim Harford — The Undercover Economist
How economics can raise its game
Tim Harford, FT columinst