Why Does Methodology Matter for Economics? Review Article.

In the context of reviewing some of the important recent literature on the methodology of economics, this article argues for the continuity of economics, economic methodology, and philosophy against the proposition maintained by some so-called pragmatists and the rhetoric program that economics is sui generis and should be immune to criticism rooted in related disciplines. It is argued that, since methodological considerations are unavoidable, effort should be directed to good methodology. The credentials of economics as a somewhat successful, empirical science are defended. Copyright 1995 by Royal Economic Society.