What is Neoclassical Economics?

Jamie Morgan is Reader at the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Leeds Beckett University, UK.

‘What is neo-classical economics? Does the term pick out a coherent body of economic thought, a specific methodological stance or some more general distinctive position? Tony Lawson in a startlingly original contribution not only considers the origins of the term but shows how reflection on its meaning might be deployed to clarify the confused state of the contemporary academic discipline. In this excellent new collection a number of prominent economists and/or philosophers engage Lawson’s analysis. The result is essential reading for all those seeking to understand the nature of modern economics and/or wanting something better.’ — Dr. Stephen Pratten, King's College London, UK‘Coming to terms with the concept of neoclassical economics is essential in understanding the continuing evolution of modern economics. Drawing on the traditions of political economy, economic methodology and the history of economic thought, this important and innovative volume is an excercise in pluralism. No consensus emerges, but the reader is left better equipped to compehend the different meanings of, and different perspectives on, this elusive concept.’ — Professor Dimitris Milonakis, University of Crete, Greece

• 1. What is this school called neoclassical economics? 2. From neoclassical theory to mainstream modelling: fifty years of moral hazard in perspective 3. Neo-classicism, critical realism and the Cambridge methodological tradition 4. Lawson, Veblen and Marshall: How to read modern Neoclassicalism 5. Lawson on Veblen on social ontology 6. Why is this school called neoclassical economics? Classicism and neoclassicism in historical context 7. Ten Propositions on ‘Neoclassical’ Economics 8. Neoclassical Economics: An Elephant is not a Chimera But is a Chimera Real? 9. The State of Nature and Natural States – ideology and formalism in the critique of neoclassical economics 10. Heterodox economics, social ontology, and the use of mathematics 11. Is Neoclassical Economics mathematical? Is there a non-Neoclassical mathematical economics? 12. Neoclacissism forever 13. Reflections upon Neoclassical Labour Economics