Philosophy

Philosophy is concerned with those questions which the natural and social sciences appear, at least currently, to be unable to answer (e.g. questions dealing with morality, questions about the differences between the natural and social sciences). It also asks why the natural and social sciences appear unable to answer these questions.

For example, economics is concerned with what goods and services a society produces, how it produces them, and how they are allocated amongst the members of that society once they are produced.  

Philosophy of economics is concerned with the methodologies employed by economists attempting to answer these questions as well as moral questions about what the answers to these questions should be. 

Questions of interest to philosophers of economics related to economic methodology include: Is economics a science? Can the study of economics be reduced to the study of physical phenomena (e.g. activities in the human brain)? Should economists adopt the research techniques and methodologies of the natural sciences, or is there something fundamentally different about the study of human behavior and institutions that precludes the use of these approaches? Should the success or failure of economics as a discipline be measured by its ability to predict (and perhaps even control) the future or are there obstacles that make that too high a bar to clear?

Topics of interest to philosophers of economics related to economic morality include the fairness of the tax system, what degree of economic inequality is morally acceptable, and when is the use of markets for determining outcomes morally acceptable? 

Similarly, whereas political science is the study of government, politics, and political behavior, political philosophy is more concerned with the ethical and normative aspects of government and politics.    

Political scientists attempt to answer questions like what drives voters to vote as they do and why do nation-states interact as they do. Political philosophers, on the other hand,  are concerned with more normative questions like what role should the state play in society and when is a state legitimate or illegitimate.


What Is Your Case For Pluralist Economics?

Sheila Dow argues for a pluralist approach to economics.

How Can Theoretical Economic Models Be Used To Say Something About The Real World?

Robert Sugden discusses his credible worlds justification for economic models.

Neil McDonnell On The Puzzle Of Virtual Theft

Neil McDonnell defines the puzzle of virtual theft, discusses the legal challenges it poses, and provides his solution to the puzzle.

Nathan Wildman On The Puzzle of Sport

Nathan Wildman defines the puzzle of sport and discusses possible solutions to it.