Unification and Pluralism

Citation

Dow S (2022) Unification and Pluralism. In: Caldwell B, Davis J, Mäki U & Sent E (eds.) Methodology and History of Economics: Reflections with and without Rules. London: Routledge, pp. 55-70. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003266051

Abstract
Wade Hands has drawn attention to the explanatory pluralism present in Samuelson’s Foundations alongside its derivational unification. The purpose here is to pursue this analysis in relation to the unificationist and pluralist discourses in economics. A consideration of Samuelson’s philosophy of science suggests the presence of a degree of pluralism in other domains than explanation. But a broader discussion of the meanings of, and justifications for, both unification and pluralism indicates that derivational unification limits the admissibility of, and scope for, pluralism in other domains. This analysis is then applied to current debates over the future direction of mainstream macroeconomics.

• 2022 Hands Paper Pre-publication Version