Date of Award
11-1-2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
Economics
First Advisor
Robert Urquhart, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Upton Candice
Third Advisor
Tracy Mott
Keywords
Economic methodology, History of economic thought, Philosophy of mathematics, Philosophy of science
Abstract
Economics is supposed to fall somewhere between a hard science and a social science. During the last half century, economics has become highly mathematical trying to mimic physics. The purpose of this study is to look at the metaphysical statements linked to mathematical models, specifically, Game Theory. In doing so, it will be demonstrated that Game Theory, as part of neoclassical economics, engages in analysis which can be categorized as metaphysical, with real metaphysical implications. In categorizing the metaphysical assumptions of neoclassical economists/game theorists we will see how much of their analysis is consists in a reductive, implausible metaphysical view. Problems that arise from this view are hardly taken into consideration most economists. This lack of consideration has nontrivial consequences for economics as a discipline and for its methodology.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Recommended Citation
Luna, Edgar, "An Inquiry into the Metaphysical Foundations of Mathematics in Economics" (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 385.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/385
Provenance
Received from ProQuest
Rights holder
Edgar Luna
File size
122 p.
Copyright date
2008
File format
application/pdf
Language
en
Discipline
Economic theory, Philosophy, Economic history