Knowledge and Persuasion in Economics

Rating:
Summary: constructive and convincing on economics as a science
Review: As an macro-economist interested in methodology of economics and the philosophy of science, i found McCloskey's book instructive and interesting. Especially the central role of language in science (as in all other human communication or, rather, persuasion), with clear links to American pragmatist philosophers like Rorty is convincingly put forward. The false and unhelpful dichotomy between 'objective facts' and 'subjective interpretation' gets a proper thrashing. I wish more economists and other social scientists would take note of this. Recommended for all economists with an interest in the foundations of their profession.