
Evaluating Competing Explanatory Games in Economics
Jonas G. Lipski(Author)
Edward Elgar Publishing
Published on 18. July 2025
Book
Hardback
214 pages
978-1-0353-5751-2 (ISBN)
Description
This erudite book examines the theory of explanatory games. Jonas G. Lipski argues for a comparative approach to the philosophy of economics, applying theoretical ideas to central controversies in the field.
Evaluating Competing Explanatory Games in Economics addresses key contemporary issues around mainstream economics, advocating for a naturalistic approach towards philosophy of science that is focused on applicability. He argues that in accordance with these criteria, the theory of explanatory games is the best available approach vis a vis competing general approaches to philosophy of science. Focusing on explanatory practices in economics, Lipski highlights the different rules that economists follow in constructing explanations, emphasizing the need for these to be critically and comparatively evaluated. He argues that economics is a field in which explanatory games with different rules compete with one another. Using examples from growth theory and the Socialist Calculation Debate as case studies, he further argues that some marginalized perspectives - specifically the Austrian School or New institutional Economics - have distinct advantages over the approaches that historically came to be accepted by the majority of economists.
A vital resource for students and academics in economics and philosophy, this book's novel insights into the theory of explanation and comparative economic theory will also greatly benefit economists and philosophers.
Evaluating Competing Explanatory Games in Economics addresses key contemporary issues around mainstream economics, advocating for a naturalistic approach towards philosophy of science that is focused on applicability. He argues that in accordance with these criteria, the theory of explanatory games is the best available approach vis a vis competing general approaches to philosophy of science. Focusing on explanatory practices in economics, Lipski highlights the different rules that economists follow in constructing explanations, emphasizing the need for these to be critically and comparatively evaluated. He argues that economics is a field in which explanatory games with different rules compete with one another. Using examples from growth theory and the Socialist Calculation Debate as case studies, he further argues that some marginalized perspectives - specifically the Austrian School or New institutional Economics - have distinct advantages over the approaches that historically came to be accepted by the majority of economists.
A vital resource for students and academics in economics and philosophy, this book's novel insights into the theory of explanation and comparative economic theory will also greatly benefit economists and philosophers.
Reviews / Votes
'In this wonderful book Jonas Lipski provides both a development of the theory of explanatory games and an insightful application to economics. This is a novel account addressing both philosophers and non-philosophers interested in the theory of scientific explanation and how it applies to economic phenomena.' -- C. Mantzavinos, University of Athens, GreeceMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0353-5751-2 (9781035357512)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jonas G. Lipski, Independent Scholar, formerly of Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
Content
Contents
Introduction to Evaluating Competing Explanatory Games in
Economics 1
PART I EVALUATING EXPLANATORY GAMES: A
PHILOSOPHICAL DISCUSSION
Introduction to Part I
1 Mantzavinos's theory of explanatory games 9
2 Theories of explanation: traditional approaches 37
3 Evaluation on the procedural level: alternative approaches 71
PART II EVALUATING COMPETING EXPLANATORY
GAMES IN ECONOMICS
Introduction to Part II
4 The Socialist Calculation Debate 112
5 Competing explanations of economic growth 150
Conclusion to Evaluating Competing Explanatory Games in
Economics: final remarks 195
References 199
Introduction to Evaluating Competing Explanatory Games in
Economics 1
PART I EVALUATING EXPLANATORY GAMES: A
PHILOSOPHICAL DISCUSSION
Introduction to Part I
1 Mantzavinos's theory of explanatory games 9
2 Theories of explanation: traditional approaches 37
3 Evaluation on the procedural level: alternative approaches 71
PART II EVALUATING COMPETING EXPLANATORY
GAMES IN ECONOMICS
Introduction to Part II
4 The Socialist Calculation Debate 112
5 Competing explanations of economic growth 150
Conclusion to Evaluating Competing Explanatory Games in
Economics: final remarks 195
References 199