후기고전학파와 신고전학파의 방법론-연속성 여부를 중심으로-

The Later Classicists and Neo-Classicists on the Methodology of Economics-focused on continuities and/or discontinuities between them-

This paper compares the methodological views of the later Classicists(e.g, J.S. Mill, Senior, Cairnes) with those of the Neo-classicists(e.g, Marshall, Pigou) and indicates continuities and/or discontinuities in point of view and procedures between these two groups. The later Classicists regarded Political Economy as essentially an abstract science and its method as the method a priori. Political Economy reasons from assumed premises and draws conclusions through deduction. The conclusions are only true in the abstract; they are only true under certain suppositions, in which none but general causes are taken into the account. The Neo-classicists emphasized on collecting, arranging, interpreting, and drawmg inferences from facts. Deduction must rest on the basis of inductions; inductive process involves and includes analysis and deduction. However, Marshall's methodological position is hardly said to be a new paradigm to the deductive paradigm. Marshall's methodology reflects his synthesis of the later Classicists and the Marginalist schools. While, works of both the later Classicists and the Neo-classicists reveal discrepancy between their method and practice.