Universität Wien
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180005 VO The Story of Economic Ideas: Methodological and Epistemological Positions (2024W)

Economic Theories and Methodological Positions

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Moodle
Th 23.01. 16:45-18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

In principle the lecture takes place every Thursday, 16:45 – 18:15 at the Faculty Building Oskar Morgenstern Platz 1, not, however, in lecture free periods. Please observe that the lecture takes place in different lecture rooms. The first two meetings (meetings 1 and 2 on Oct. 3rd and Oct. 10th) take place in lecture room 9 (HS 9), first floor. Meeting 3 (Oct. 17th ) and following take place in seminar room 16 (SE 16), third floor.
The lecture starts with meeting 1, Thursday Oct. 3rd.

  • Thursday 03.10. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Thursday 10.10. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Thursday 17.10. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Thursday 24.10. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Thursday 31.10. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Thursday 07.11. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Thursday 14.11. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Thursday 21.11. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Thursday 28.11. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Thursday 05.12. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Thursday 12.12. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Thursday 09.01. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Thursday 16.01. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Aims and Content

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the history of economic theories. Although historically oriented, this course is mainly analytical and discusses the development of economic theories by analysing problems, problem situations, and suggested solutions as well as resulting controversies. As economic theories come in particular combinations of empirical (synthetic) theories and methodological positions, methodological positions and their relation to economic theories will be discussed as well. In particular questions regarding the structure of satisfactory explanations in economics and problems regarding the epistemological status of economic theories, i.e., whether they are empirical (synthetic), or pure logic (analytical) only, or whether they are theories sui generis will be discussed. The main (historical) hypothesis defended in this lecture is that open problems in economic theory spark methodological debates and that authors frequently believed that solving methodological and epistemological problems indicates the path for solving open problems in economic theory. Diligent students will learn to make sense of and evaluate the historical background and the performance of economic theories, as well as the main criticisms and later developments of those controversies which implicitly still cover much ground in contemporary discussions.

Methods
Teaching consists in one unbroken 90-minute seminar. Students are invited to prepare for each lecture on the basis of selected readings distributed in advance of every lecture.

Assessment and permitted materials

Rewards and Requirements

In order to pass this course successfully students have to pass a final written exam consisting of two questions to be prepared at home, previous to the exam date and two supplementary questions to be answered in writing at the exam date. All answers to all questions have to be handed in at the end of the exam. Auxiliary material is permitted. The quality of answers will be evaluated on the basis of completeness, clarity of argument, logical reasoning, and precision. Answers have to be formulated in complete sentences and are not acceptable if stated in keywords only.

Note that present study rules require that students have to be registered for this course as well as for a particular exam date on u:space in case the wish to take the exam. Dates of exams will be provided in due course. In case of digital oral examinations students accept the following requirements and rules: (i) students are required to show their student cards for proving their identity. (ii) the usual rules apply regarding the number and requirements of entrances for examinations; examination dates regarding first, second, third and fourth entrances will differ. (iii) By registering for this course/seminar, you tacitly agree to having all your electronic submissions checked by Turnitin.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The final written examination will be based on the written answers to the questions that are to be prepared at home and the supplementary questions at the exam in person. Correct answers will be evaluated with 5 points. Grades are awarded on the following basis:
below 10 points: ‘negative’ (5)
10 to 11,99 points: ‘sufficient’ (4)
12 to 14,99 points: ‘satisfactory’ (3)
15 to 17,99 points: ‘good’ (2)
18 to 20 points: ‘excellent’ (1)

Examination topics

Areas of Examinations

problems, problem situations and suggested solutions discussed in the lecture.

Reading list

Selections from:
M. BLAUG, Economic Theory in Retrospect, Cambridge 1978 (and later editions)
Karl R. Popper, The Logic of Scientific Discovery, Hutchinson, London 1959 (first English edition; later editions are published by Routledge); secs: 1 – 18; any edition can be read.
Karl R. Popper, The Two Fundamental Problems of the Theory of Knowledge, Routledge, London 2011
Karl R. Popper, The Poverty of Historicism, Routledge Kegan & Paul, London 1957 (first English edition; later editions are published by Routledge) any edition can be read.
Selected chapters and supplementary readings will be announced in due course.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Tu 07.01.2025 16:26