Economics and Ecology: A Comparison of Experimental Methodologies and Philosophies
Author(s)
Shogren, Jason F.; Nowell, Clifford
Abstract
Views of the proper roles of experiments in environmental economics and ecology have developed quite differently. Until recently, the primary engine of research in ecology has been observation-induced description, while in economics it has been theory-induced propositions. From a philosophical or methodological perspective, the ecologist’s focus on description appears pragmatic while the economist’s focus on the axiomatic has evolved from logical positivism. Pragmatism implies that methods and choices result from the workability of common sense rather than from formal rules of evidence. This can result in a broad methodological base of competing theories without a hierarchy of theoretical axioms, laws and “truths.” By contrast, the logical positivism of economists rests on two key assumptions: an objective world view and a value-neutral scientist. In such a paradigm, science can only advance if there is an explicit dichotomy between fact and value. This positivism has led economics to a definite hierarchy of theories based on the neoclassical paradigm, and an assumption that this well defined theoretical structure is inherently correct, thereby eliminating the need for observation.
