Paradigms as Ideologies: Liberal vs. Marxian Economics

Abstract

nication. We need a simple framework to explain the Marxian totality. Communication further requires that we go beyond those (e.g., McCloskey, 1986) who see differences as primarily matters of rhetoric and sneering. Rather, we should admit frankly that paradigms are strongly influenced by ideology, i.e., basic sociopolitical assumptions and biases. No human, despite pretensions of objectivity or scientific method, can escape the influence of her or his biography in society and the common political vocabulary, questions, and assumptions. We are, as Aristotle noted, political and social animals. Thus, neoclassical economics is seen as part of the broad liberal tradition. Though these propositions are in the Marxian tradition, this paper's method is not Marxian but idealist: neither the societal roots of liberalism, nor its internal contradictions, nor conflicts between theory and practice is