Lawrence A. Boland Bücher

Should we accept the principles of neo-classical economics? This work attempts to develop effective critiques of neo-classical economics and it is primarily directed towards the neo-classical economist. The focus of the critiques are the foundations of neo-classical theory, beginning with those Alfred Marshall identified as the Principles of Economics, paramount amongst which is the assumption of maximizing behaviour. Lawrence Boland highlights the problems of effective model building without this assumption and argues that critics might be better rewarded if they concentrated on Marshall's other key principle, the Principle of Continuity.

Containing twenty essays, most of which are previously unpublished or extensively revised, the book discusses Friedman's famous essay on methodology, the role of the assumption of maximization in neoclassical economics, the limitations of traditional economic methodology, the possibilities for more fruitful methodological criticism, and Karl Popper's theory of science. Throughout, the essays emphasize the positive role of criticism as a central part of intellectual activity.