Towards a Post-Classical Economics

Abstract

The subject of economics is characterised by deep divisions over methodology, theory and practical implications. This paper addresses itself to these divisions with the aim of suggesting a way forward. The starting point is the proposition that one of the keys to the problem is for economists to be more aware of the simple, but often tacit, ideas which underlie economic theory, especially the ideas which economists tend to have on the nature and status of their theories. It is an approach which is developed more fully in A Theory of the Capitalist Economy: Towards a Post-Classical Synthesis (Gerrard, forthcoming). This present paper offers a short exposition of some of thearguments in favor of a post-classical approach.