The field: tasks, pasts, futures

Abstract

ABSTRACT The paper sketches a story about how and why the field of economic methodology / philosophy of economics emerged (as a further step in specialization), and how it has evolved intellectually and institutionally. It considers the field as an institutionalized form of higher-order reflection on the discipline of economics and suggests that such reflection, also in its pre-field form, has recurring triggering conditions (e.g. alleged failures in economics, fundamental controversy, launch of new research style) and functions (e.g. criticism, defense, programmatic statement). It lists topics of inquiry that derive from the concerns economists and others have about the discipline (as a modelling discipline and a policy science). It offers consolation to those who worry about effectively addressing academic economists as the primary audience, suggesting there are other valuable audiences (such as philosophers of science and policy makers). It gives examples of how critical conversation will ensure progress in the field.