Universität Wien

040264 SE Philosophy and Economics (MA) (2023S)

Epistemological and methodological positions in economics as solutions of the problems of induction and demarcation

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 4 - Wirtschaftswissenschaften
Prüfungsimmanente Lehrveranstaltung
Moodle

An/Abmeldung

Hinweis: Ihr Anmeldezeitpunkt innerhalb der Frist hat keine Auswirkungen auf die Platzvergabe (kein "first come, first served").

Details

max. 50 Teilnehmer*innen
Sprache: Englisch

Lehrende

Termine (iCal) - nächster Termin ist mit N markiert

  • Mittwoch 01.03. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 08.03. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 15.03. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 22.03. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 29.03. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 19.04. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 26.04. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 03.05. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 10.05. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 17.05. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 24.05. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 31.05. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 07.06. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 14.06. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 21.06. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Mittwoch 28.06. 18:30 - 20:00 Hörsaal 9 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock

Information

Ziele, Inhalte und Methode der Lehrveranstaltung

Aims and Content

The problems of induction and demarcation are two major problems discussed in the theory of knowledge. The problem of induction results from considerations regarding the logical validity of content enlarging and truth preserving, i.e., ‘inductive’, inferences; the problem of demarcation from considerations regarding the possibility of demarcating empirical science from non-empirical science and pseudoscience on the basis of different truth standards that theories have to meet. In order to establish the epistemological status of the theoretical social sciences and in particular that of economic theory, different economists aimed at solving these two problems. Economists such as Mill, Roscher, Jevons, Menger, Schumpeter, Mises, Keynes, Sombart, Hayek, Friedman, and others developed different solutions that can be classified into different types. The task of this seminar is to introduce students to the different types of solutions economists developed in order to determine the epistemological status of economic theories. Special emphasis will be placed on the fact that these types of solutions are frequently sparked by open problems in economic theory which economists aim at solving by considering methodological and epistemological problems. Diligent students will learn to make sense and critically evaluate the main achievements and criticisms of the ensuing debates as well as their theoretical and historical background.
Methods
Teaching consists of one unbroken 90-minute seminar; discussion of different text passages which have to be prepared on the basis of talks and of questions distributed in advance for every meeting; presentation and discussion of answers for every meeting.

Art der Leistungskontrolle und erlaubte Hilfsmittel

Requirements
Students have to produce one substantial talk (about 30 min) on the basis of selected literature. In addition, they are required to hand in written weekly assignments on the basis
of two questions which they will receive in advance of every meeting. (300 – 500 words per question) and, by the end of term, a seminar paper of about 3000 – 4000 words. The problems discussed in the seminar paper are to be decided on an individual basis with me. Students have to attend the seminiar on a regular basis and contribute in a lively manner to discussions at all classes.

Mindestanforderungen und Beurteilungsmaßstab

Evaluation and Rewards
In general student’s contributions are evaluated as follows: 10% talks, 30% weekly assignments, 30% discussion, 30% seminar paper. The specific standards implemented in order to evaluate written answers to questions (assignments), talks and seminar papers are content, clarity, precision, logical structure and completeness regarding the problems and arguments discussed.

Prüfungsstoff

Areas of Examinations
Problems discussed in the seminar

Literatur

Principal Reading:
Selected chapters from
Karl R. Popper, Die beiden Grundprobleme der Erkenntnistheorie, (Hrsg. Troels Eggers Hansen), J.C.B. Mohr (Paul Siebeck), Tübingen 1979, Kap I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII. (und spätere Auflagen)
English translation:
Karl R. Popper, The Two Fundamental Problems of the Theory of Knowledge, Routledge, 2009. Chaps. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8. (and later editions)
Additional readings will be announced in due course.

Zuordnung im Vorlesungsverzeichnis

Letzte Änderung: Mo 08.05.2023 15:27