How Economics Forgot History: The Problem of Historical Specificity in Social Science (Economics as Social Theory)

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In arguably his most important book to date, Hodgson calls into question the tendency of economic method to try and explain all economic phenomena by using the same catch-all theories and dealing in universal truths. He argues that you need different theories to analyze different economic phenomena and systems and that historical context must be taken into account.

Hodgson argues that the German Historical School was key in laying the foundations for the work of the pioneer institutional economists, who themselves are gaining currency today; and that the growing interest in this school of thought is contributing to a more complete understanding of socio-economic theory.

How Economics Forgot History: The Problem of Historical Specificity in Social Science (Economics as Social Theory) Review

This is a very good historical overview of economic thinkers of the 19th and 20th century. The author appears to believe that modern neoclassical economics has veered into a hopeless cul-de-sac of elaborate mathematical formulations. The underlying theory concerning human behavior in the "market" is a vast over-simplification--without reference to historical specificity and human institutions. The traditional underlying philosophical assumptions of neo-classicist thought about "economic man" appear to be extraordinarily naive.

The author, however, is not calling for the total overthrow of all neoclassical thought. Rather, its integration into a fuller, more realistic, and accurate accounting of what is involved in "economics"--defined as human provisioning activities. He also wants a more scientifically based economics to more carefully consider the legacy of German historicism and American "old" institutionalism. And to integrate those historical insights into a more effective body of economic thought. He would also glean that which is valuable from the work of Karl Marx as well.

The author is not a purely empiricist economic historian that has no use for theory of any sort. Far from it. He elaborates in a very systemic fashion precisely what is necessary to compose a logically coherent system of economic thought. No truly meaningful economic work can really be done without reference to overlying theory--in the author's view. He also makes the point that any meaningful systemic thought about the human condition has to make reference to some metaphysical assumptions. It's impossible--in his eyes--to create a system of thought that stands entirely on its own deductive logic. Ultimately, all writers make appeals to their readers' own experiences or beliefs. I thought his powers of reasoning were quite impressive and saw no evidence of fallacious reasoning in his arguments.

I was introduced to the works of Thorstein Veblen as a young college student over 30 years ago. It's nice to see some restoration of his reputation. Veblen made the wealthy of his era--and their toadys--very uncomfortable with his iconoclasm. He was, however, a brilliant American original and is--even with the shortcomings the author points out--extremely worthy of resurrecting.

Hodgson's breadth of learning is quite impressive. I would wholeheartedly recommend buying the book except for the price. Hopefully, it will deflate to a more reasonable level.

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