Publication Date
12-15-2009
Document Type
Working Paper
Advisor
Professor John Hall
Journal of Economic Literature Classification Codes
B15, B25, B31, B41
Key Words
Abduction, Charles Sanders Peirce, Institutional Economics retroduction, Thorstein Veblen
Abstract
This inquiry considers the meaning of abduction and its uses in Economic Science. Abductive logic is discussed at some length, in order to clarify how it is used in this inquiry. In addition, abduction is traced from its appearances in the writings of pragmatist philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce and how its meaning is later carried on in Thorstein Veblen’s Institutional Economics. Peirce’s influence proves foundational for Veblen’s contributions, as well as for the writings of John Roger Commons. My research suggests that after Commons, Peirce’s influence in economics wanes. Additionally, the use of retroduction in critical realism provides a contemporary example of abduction. This inquiry concludes by discussing implications of abductive logic, suggesting that abduction proves essential for the advancement of Economic Science.
Rights
© 2009 Daniel Urban
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/38592
Citation Details
Urban, Daniel. "Uses of Abduction in Economic Science, Working Paper No. 62", Portland State University Economics Working Papers. 62. (15 December 2009) i + 22 pages.