Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate possible inconsistencies between J. S. Mill’s
methodological positions on the science of Political Economy and the historical view of man
and society that he eventually embraced. The analysis of his main propositions on method
reveals that Mill was inconsistent to hold – as he did – the universal validity of investigating
this science by the deductive method. But two examples selected from his Principles show
that, as a political economist, Mill used alternative methodological procedures when the
occasion demanded, being more consistent as a scientist than as a philosopher of science.

JEL Classification: B12; B31; B41.