It’s Not Autism
2 April 2009 at 3:46 am Lasse 6 comments
| Lasse Lien |
Here is a piece of good news, everyone. Economic science does not suffer from autism (though apparently there are parallels). As far as I know the jury is still out on the Tourette’s Syndrome. . . .
Abstract: A popular claim among critics is that economic science is suffering from autism, a severe developmental disorder characterised by impairments in social relations and communication, combined with rigid and repetitive behaviour. So far, this allegation has not been substantiated. This essay explores the claim of autism in economics based on modern schemes of diagnostics. A key finding is that the structure of the critique against mainstream economics bears a striking resemblance to the structure of the diagnostic criteria for autism. Based on an examination of three groups of key symptoms, I conclude that the required set of criteria for the autism diagnosis are not met. However, there are parallels which may serve as constructive reminders for the future development and application of economic theories and models.
HT: Klaus Mohn
Entry filed under: - Lien -, Methods/Methodology/Theory of Science.
1.
Peter Klein | 2 April 2009 at 8:15 am
So what are these guys going to do?
2.
Fred Thompson | 2 April 2009 at 1:06 pm
Asperger syndrome?
3.
Lasse | 3 April 2009 at 12:53 pm
I don’t know if the expression exists in english, but in norwegian a mild discomfort is to be “klein”. So maybe econmics is just a bit Klein?
4.
Peter Klein | 3 April 2009 at 1:53 pm
That is a Gross exaggeration!
5.
Jared M | 7 April 2009 at 10:46 pm
Wow, pluralism and heterodox in economics. I think Ill stick with autism.
6.
Lasse | 8 April 2009 at 12:44 pm
It’s now obvious. It’s not autism, Aspergers or Tourettes. It’s just good old fashioned evil.