Degree Type
Honors Capstone Project
Date of Submission
Spring 5-1-2010
Capstone Advisor
Jerry Evensky
Honors Reader
Chris Rohlfs
Capstone Major
Economics
Capstone College
Management
Audio/Visual Component
no
Capstone Prize Winner
no
Won Capstone Funding
no
Honors Categories
Social Sciences
Subject Categories
Economics | Economic Theory | Growth and Development | Other Economics
Abstract
This paper seeks to (1) offer a conceptual overview of the methodology of science research programs (MSRP) of Imre Lakatos; (2) apply the framework of that methodology to the neoclassical theory of Gary S. Becker; and (3) explore a quantitative-driven, atheoretical alternative, which challenges the view that there can be or should be any body of theoretical economics. The MSRP framework is used in an instrumental manner in the pursuit of a lucid and interesting historical analysis. The pros and cons of Becker’s approach are presented in the tradition of instrumentalism, and in light of recent discussion of economics imperialism. It is argued that some theory is indispensable, and that the MSRP framework is adequate as a critical and historical tool, which elucidates how ecnomic theory can be both precise and positive, and rich and flexible.
Recommended Citation
Turner, Bradley R., "Homo Economicus: Alive and Diversified in the Economic Research Program" (2010). Honors Capstone Projects - All. 399.
https://surface.syr.edu/honors_capstone/399
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
