Universität Wien
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180131 VO The Story of Economic Ideas: Economic Theories and Methodological Positions (2022W)

Part I, the 19th century

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
ON-SITE
Moodle

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Please note that the lecture starts on Tuesday Oct 11th

  • Tuesday 04.10. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 8 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Tuesday 11.10. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 18.10. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 25.10. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 08.11. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 15.11. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 22.11. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 29.11. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 06.12. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 13.12. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 10.01. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 17.01. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 16 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Tuesday 24.01. 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 thought. Although historically oriented, this course is mainly analytical and discusses the development of economic ideas by analysing problem situations, problems, and proposed solutions as well as resulting controversies. However, this course also investigates methodological and epistemological positions since the attempt to find satisfactory solutions for open problems in economic theory frequently resulted in methodological debates such as discussions regarding the satisfactory structure of social science explanations. Diligent students will learn to make sense of and evaluate the historical background as well as the performance of theories, the main criticisms and later developments of those controversies which implicitly still cover much ground in temporary 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 one supplementary question to be answered at the exam date in presence. 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, and 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 particular exams dates on u:space. 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

Evaluation

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 one supplementary question to be answered at the exam date in presence.

The final written examination will be based on three written answers. Correct answers will be evaluated with 7 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 21 points: ‘excellent’ (1)

Examination topics

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

Reading list

Principal Reading:

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 07.03.2023 16:48