The orthodoxy of the classical and neoclassical economic model: on the shoulders of giants

Abstract

The objective of this reflection article is to vindicate great thinkers in economics who shaped the main theoretical postulates, philosophy and methodology of science, exposing their conceptual and theoretical framework for a comprehensive understanding of their most relevant contributions. In the development of the article, a historical description of the evolution of orthodox economic thought is offered, within a framework of analysis of recognition of economic doctrines from their historical, institutional, political, cultural and social situation, where their contributions are still significant for the interpretation of current reality, not in an absolute way due to the limitations of the assumptions, methods and historical interpretation of the authors, but with inputs that, objectively analyzed, provide validity and usefulness to economics professionals, and in general to all social scientists, for the exercises of positive economics of description, analysis and systematization of economic phenomena and of normative economics of intervention of reality through economic policy. The historical framework of the exhibition is until the 19th century, keeping in mind that, if the economy was built from classical and neoclassical orthodoxy, the alternative and subsequent currents are necessarily heirs, direct or indirect, of these giants of thought.