The Economics of Scientific Knowledge: A Rational Choice Neo-Institutionalist Theory of Science - Hardcover

Shi, Yanfei

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 184064804X ISBN 13: 9781840648041

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd, 2001

Synopsis

The Economics of Scientific Knowledge demonstrates how contemporary economic theories, such as rational choice theory, public choice theory, game theory, and neo-institutionalist economics can be successfully applied to resolve the issues currently existing in science studies and science and technology policy.

Yanfei Shi criticizes the sociology of scientific knowledge and the traditional philosophy of science for their failures in justifying science as a rational enterprise. From an economic perspective, he explains why scientific enterprise as a public good is possible if individual scientists are self-interested and presents a new and convincing story of how scientific knowledge is produced in the contemporary society.

With professional experience as a policy analyst, Yanfei Shi's economic perspective on scientists and their behaviors, and his institutional analysis will have great implications to the current discussions on science and innovation policy issues.

Scholars and students in the fields of economics, philosophy and sociology as well as scientists, administrators and policy analysts will find this book a welcome addition to the literature of the increasingly important field of science studies.

About this title

About the Author

Yanfei Shi, Policy Analyst, The National Office for the Information Economy, Australia

Edition details

• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 184064804X
• ISBN 13: 9781840648041
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304