Several contemporary economic theories revolve around different concepts: market failures, institutions, transaction costs, information asymmetries, motivational diversity, cognitive limitations, strategic behaviors and evolutionary stability. In recent years, many economists have argued that the increase in circulation and mobilization of these new and heterogeneous concepts and their associated methodologies (e.g., experiments, evolutionary modelling, simulations) signify the death of neoclassical economics.

Late Neoclassical Economics: The Restoration of Theoretical Humanism in Contemporary Economic Theory draws on the work of Louis Althusser, Michel Foucault and the Amherst School, to construct the concept of a self-transparent and self-conscious human subject (Homo economicus) as the theoretical humanist core of the neoclassical tradition. Instead of identifying the emergent heterogeneity as a break from neoclassicism, this book offers a careful genealogy of many of the new concepts and approaches - including evolutionary game theory, experimental economics and behavioural economics - and reads their elaboration as part of the restoration of the theoretical humanist core of the tradition. 'Late neoclassical economics' is therefore characterized as a collection of diverse approaches which have emerged in response to the drift towards structuralism.

This book is suitable for those who study political economy, history of economic thought and philosophy of economics. The arguments put forward in this text will also resonate with anyone who is interested in the fate of the neoclassical tradition and the future of economic theory.

About the Author
Yahya M. Madra teaches Economics at Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey. He has published and co-authored articles on various issues in political economy in both edited book volumes and journals.

Reviews

'Late neoclassical economics may be more mature than neoclassical economics, but it is not different from neoclassical economics as it has been practiced before...Madra succeeds in presenting a very clear and concise thesis which is highly relevant and interesting. His argumentation is straightforward, convincing and precise. The leitmotiv of the investigation never gets lost.' - Thomas Domjahn, History of Economics Review

Book Information
ISBN 9781138599345
Author Yahya M. Madra
Format Paperback
Page Count 218
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 322g