The Foundations of Positive and Normative Economics

These are exciting methodological times in economic science. Behavioral economists rely heavily on psychological intuitions and are willing to utilize unfamiliar data in their analysis, including neuroscientific data. How one views this research depends in part on how one views the goals of economic analysis, a topic on which debate is now being joined. It depends also on the importance attached to unity of thought. While other social sciences may take pride in their methodological diversity, most economists perceive our long-standing methodological unity as a source of depth and power.

This unique conference on the Foundations of Positive and Normative Economics exposes this foundational debate to all interested in the future of social scientific research. While the presenters and discussants are among the leading economists of the generation, the debate should be accessible to all with interest in the future of the social scientific enterprise.

The conference coincides with the release of the first book in a series of Handbooks on Economic Methodology, The Foundations of Positive and Normative Economics, edited by Andrew Caplin and Andrew Schotter of NYU, to be published by Oxford University Press in conjunction with the Center for Experimental Social Science at NYU.

All involved in the organization of this conference would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the National Science Foundation for their continued support and sponsorship of this conference.