Tony Lawson - Really Reorienting Modern Economics

The speaker critiques the reliance on mathematical modeling in economics, arguing for a more philosophical approach that considers ontology and social reality. They suggest that economics should not solely depend on mathematical methods, as social phenomena are complex and dynamic. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes of economic issues and suggests that policy should focus on measures rather than predictions.

What are the main reasons the speaker believes mathematical modeling may not be necessary in economics?

How does the speaker differentiate between epistemology and ontology in the context of economics?

What does the speaker mean by saying that social reality is inherently dynamic?

In what ways does the speaker suggest that social structures are out of phase with the practices they govern?

What are the implications of the speaker's argument for the use of mathematical methods in economic modeling?

How does the speaker relate the concept of event regularity to the methods used in economics?

What critique does the speaker offer regarding the assumptions made in traditional economic theories?

What alternative approaches to mathematical modeling does the speaker suggest?

How does the speaker view the relationship between prediction and policy in economics?

What does the speaker mean by saying that all social phenomena are constituted through relationships?