The Economics of Science: Methodology and Epistemology as if Economics Really Mattered / Edition 1

by James R Wible

Overview

Science is difficult and costly to do well. This study systematically creates an economics of science. Many aspects of science are explored from an economic point of view. The scientist is treated as an economically rational individual. This book begins with economic models of misconduct in science and the legitimate, normal practices of science, moving on to market failure, the market place of ideas, self-correctiveness, and the organizational and institutional structures of science. An exploration of broader methodological themes raised by an economics of science ends the work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415172578
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/04/1997
Series:	Routledge Frontiers of Political Economy , #13
Pages:	284
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

James R Wible has been a member of the economics faculty at the Whittemore School of Business and Economics, University of New Hampshire in Durham for more than a decade. His main research interests are economic methodology and the economics of science, the economics and philosophy of Charles Sanders Peirce, and macroeconomics and monetary theory.

Table of Contents

1 WHY AN ECONOMICS OF SCIENCE? 2 AN ECONOMIC THEORY OF REPLICATION FAILURE 3 AN ECONOMIC THEORY OF FRAUD IN SCIENCE 4 PEIRCE’S ECONOMICS OF RESEARCH PROJECT SELECTION 5 A COST-BENEFIT APPROACH TO RESEARCH PROJECT SELECTION, POPPER’S METHODOLOGY, AND SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS 6 MARKET FAILURE IN THE MARKETPLACE OF IDEAS: THE CASES OF KARL POPPER AND THE ECONOMICS PROFESSION 7 MARKET FAILURE IN THE MARKETPLACE OF IDEAS: THE CASE OF FRIEDMAN’S ESSAY

Editorial Reviews

'The book represents a substantial contribution to the growing literature on the economics of science. The book is highly recommended, and given the growth of literature on the economics of science it is certain to become one of the seminal contributions to the field.' - Review of Social Economy Sep 2000

From the Publisher