Economic Theories and their Relational Structures

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

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2. Introduction

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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   2. Overview

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 3-11

   3. Model-Theoretic Toolkit

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 12-19

   4. Theoretical Economics

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 20-26

3. A Taxonomy of Economic Theories

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 27-27

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   2. A Taxonomy of Economic Theories Based upon Intended Epistemological Status and Pragmatic Function

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 29-45

   3. A Taxonomy of Economic Theories: Application

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 46-52

4. Empirical Economic Theories

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 53-53

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   2. General Characterization

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 55-75

   3. Representational Theories and Theoretical Systems (I): Basic or General Theory and General-Class Theory

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 76-94

   4. Representational Theories and Theoretical Systems (II): Special-Class Theory and Data-Specific Theory

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 95-125

   5. Phenomenological Theories and Theoretical Systems (I): Generic and Data-Specific Theory

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 126-152

   6. Phenomenological Theories and Theoretical Systems (II): Data-Contingent Theory

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 153-169

5. Non-Intendedly Empirical Economic Theories

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 171-171

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   2. Methodology of Non-Experimental Economic Research (I): On the Foundations of Non-Intendedly Empirical Theories

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 173-185

   3. Methodology of Non-Experimental Economic Research (II): Cognitive Functions of Non-Intendedly Empirical Theories

      • Erwin Klein

      Pages 186-210

6. Back Matter

   Pages 221-246

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An examination of the foundations of contemporary theoretical economics. Applying concepts from model theory - formal semantics - and standard tools in foundations research the author aims three targets, namely, a characterization of the notion 'empirical economic theory', the determination of the epistemological and methodological status of an important class of 'non-empirical' theories in economics, and the proposal of a taxonomy of economic theories based upon intended epistemological status and the descriptive or operative function of a theory.

• economic theory
• economics
• foundation
• research
• science and technology

• Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada

  Erwin Klein

ERWIN KLEIN

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