Beyond Dualism

Abstract

First paragraph: A growing sense of unease with the current state of economics has encouraged an increased interest in methodology. This interest reflects both a concern to examine fundamentals, and a wish to understand criteria for appraisal. If it were possible for economists to agree on appraisal criteria, then the settlement of debates within economics would be a relatively straightforward matter. But such agreement has not proved to be possible, so that it is necessary also to address the issue of methodological differences. This requires analysis at yet another level: the level of mode of thought, which determines the way in which competing methodologies are understood.