History of Thought and Methodology in Pluralist Economics Education

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to develop the argument that history of thought and methodology should form part of the content of pluralist teaching in economics, where the aim of this teaching is to equip students to exercise their own judgement as economists. Discussion of the nature and scope of economics, with examples from history, helps students understand what is involved in considering a range of approaches and methods (rather than uncritically accepting one general approach, but without resorting to 'anything goes'). A way of teaching about the current crisis is used as an exemplar.