- Published: September 18, 2022
- Updated: September 18, 2022
- University / College: University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 35
Contending Economic Theories Entry point Entry point matters in all theories because according to Wolff and Resnik (35), theories usually differ based on the aspects of their objects they choose as entry points into the complexities they try to find an understanding. As cited by Roberts and Feiner (67), since various conceptual divisions result to different types of senses, theorists with varied entry points generate diverse knowledge of the world. For example, selecting as entry point the parameters related to the production and dissemination of meanings, such as, talking, dressing and story-telling results in a ‘ cultural theory.’ As a consequence, to comprehend any theory it is often pertinent to inquire why its entry point concept was selected at that time and place. Whatever the complex rationale for the choices, various selected entry points signal the different priorities theorists impose on the unique understandings of the relationship among humans. One of the most crucial effects of the concept of entry points is that all theories are inescapably partial.
Logic
Theories make use of their logics to come up with explanations of whatever their practitioners consider as interesting objects to analyze (Wolff and Resnik, 42). Studies have indicated that an alternative logic always rejects any essentialist priority for the entry point. In this perspective, it is very logical that the chosen entry point acts as a guide to the theorist and imposes a definite taxonomy on the object of study. England (26) asserts that logic entails certain forms of thinking in policy making as well as management. Therefore, one needs to apply logic when coming up with various theories.
Objects of analysis
Each theory chooses its interesting object to analyze. We are confronted with a world with written or spoken objects of analysis that in spite of carrying the same label, have various meanings. The meanings of ideas as objects of analysis rely upon and vary according to the specific concepts and logics each theory utilizes to define or make sense of them. For example, Wolff and Resnik (351) assert that theorists often use similar words, but these words have unique meanings based on that particular theory that uses them.
Works Cited
England, Richard. Evolutionary Concepts in Contemporary Economics. Michigan: University of Michigan Press, 2010.
Roberts, Bruce and Susan Feiner. Radical Economics. New York: Springer, 2011.
Wolff, D., Richard, and Resnik, Stephen. Contending Economic Theories: Neoclassical, Keynesian, and Marxian. New York: MIT Press, 2012.