Advances in the mathematization process of Brazilian Academic Studies in Economics since the 1980s

Mauricio Martinelli Silva Luperi

doi:10.1080/23322039.2014.918853

Abstract

AbstractLooking at Brazilian economic discourse, in this article, we look at how mathematization of economics has advanced in the country in the last three decades. For this, we have classified into several categories all articles published in three major Brazilian economic journals (Revista Brasileira de Economia, Estudos Economicos, and Revista de Economia Politica) and the publications of ANPEC meetings from 1981 to 2010, according to the type of argument used. A total of 5,733 articles were analyzed. We attempt to see how mathematization of economic discourse developed, and found that there was an increased use of a formalized language from the mid-1990s onwards. Finally, to confirm our findings, we focus on the process of mathematization through the observation of a quantitative variable: equations per article.

Highlights

Research Group OverviewThe line of research that currently I work in investigates the possible influences of mathematics and physics in economic theory, potential problems generated by the mathematization process of economics, and their impacts in terms of prescribing policies on employment and income
Applauded by most economists and criticized by some, the increasing use of mathematical language in economics beginning in the second half of the last century is unquestionable
The line of research that currently I work in investigates the possible influences of mathematics and physics in economic theory, potential problems generated by the mathematization process of economics, and their impacts in terms of prescribing policies on employment and income

Summary

Research Group Overview

The line of research that currently I work in investigates the possible influences of mathematics and physics in economic theory, potential problems generated by the mathematization process of economics, and their impacts in terms of prescribing policies on employment and income

Public Interest Statement

Findings

Introduction