Explaining Technical Change: A Case Study in the Philosophy of Science

by Jon Elster

Overview

Technical change, defined as the manufacture and modification of tools, is generally thought to have played an important role in the evolution of intelligent life on earth, comparable to that of language. In this volume, first published in 1983, Jon Elster approaches the study of technical change from an epistemological perspective. He first sets out the main methods of scientific explanation and then applies those methods to some of the central theories of technical change. In particular, Elster considers neoclassical, evolutionary, and Marxist theories, whilst also devoting a chapter to Joseph Schumpeter's influential theory.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521270724
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/09/1983
Series:	Studies in Rationality and Social Change
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	276
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.63(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; General introduction; Part I. Modes of Scientific Explanation: 1. Causal explanation; 2. Functional explanation; 3. Intentional explanation; Part II. Theories of Technical Change: 4. Neoclassical theories; 5. Schumpeter's theory; 6. Evolutionary theories; 7. Marxist theories; Appendices; Notes; References; Index.