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

Continuous assessment of course work

Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Registration is open from Mo 13.02.2023 09:00 to We 22.02.2023 12:00
Registration is open from Mo 27.02.2023 09:00 to Tu 28.02.2023 12:00
Deregistration possible until Fr 17.03.2023 23:59

Details

max. 50 participants

Language: English

Lecturers

Karl Milford

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

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

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

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.

Assessment and permitted materials

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.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

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.

Examination topics

Areas of Examinations
Problems discussed in the seminar

Reading list

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.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 08.05.2023 15:27