The Methodology of Experimental Economics - Softcover

Guala, Francesco

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521618614 ISBN 13: 9780521618618

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2009

Synopsis

The experimental approach in economics is a driving force behind some of the most exciting developments in the field. The 'experimental revolution' was based on a series of bold philosophical premises which have remained until now mostly unexplored. This book provides the first comprehensive analysis and critical discussion of the methodology of experimental economics, written by a philosopher of science with expertise in the field. It outlines the fundamental principles of experimental inference in order to investigate their power, scope and limitations. The author demonstrates that experimental economists have a lot to gain by discussing openly the philosophical principles that guide their work, and that philosophers of science have a lot to learn from their ingenious techniques devised by experimenters in order to tackle difficult scientific problems.

About this title

Review:

'... effectively mixes a descriptive and a normative approach.' History of Economic Ideas

'This is a book that sorely needed to be written, and the experimental economics community should be grateful that Guala was the one to do it.' Journal of Economics and Philosophy

''I can hardly imagine a better exercise in intellectual ground clearing for debates in experimental and behavioural economics than Guala's book, and I recommend it highly.' Journal of Economics and Philosophy

'... Guala has produced what I expect will become a classic in the philosophy of economics, and one of the most useful books in general philosophy of science we will see this decade.' The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science

Book Description:

The 'experimental revolution' was based on a series of bold philosophical premises which have remained until now mostly unexplored. This book provides the first comprehensive analysis and critical discussion of the methodology of experimental economics, written by a philosopher of science with expertise in the field.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0521618614
• ISBN 13: 9780521618618
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304