The complexity and the constructivism in economics

Vol. 33 No. 3 (2013)

Jul-Sep / 2013
Published July 1, 2013
PDF-Portuguese (Português (Brasil))
PDF-Portuguese (Português (Brasil))

How to Cite

Mauerberg Jr., Arnaldo. 2013. “The Complexity and the Constructivism in Economics”. Brazilian Journal of Political Economy 33 (3):446-62. https://centrodeeconomiapolitica.org.br/repojs/index.php/journal/article/view/322.

The complexity and the constructivism in economics

Arnaldo Mauerberg Jr.
Mestre em Economia pela FCLAR/UNESP e Doutorando em Administração Pública e Governo pela EAESP/FGV.
Brazilian Journal of Political Economy, Vol. 33 No. 3 (2013), Jul-Sep / 2013, Pages 446-462

Abstract

This paper attempts to show and summarize the concept of rules, order and complexity introduced around the mid-twentieth century by Friedrich August von Hayek. It also attempts to create a current parallel between those concepts and the field of complexity economics. At the time of his writings, the author sought to present arguments against the Cartesian rationality. Nowadays, the concepts presented by him could also serve as arguments against the way of thought used in mainstream microeconomics. A debate can now be seen between the mainstream microeconomics and the authors of the complexity theory applied to the economy, which can be understood as explanations guided by generic assumptions versus natural explanations guided in a computational approach.

JEL Classification: B41; B52; B53; D03; D79; D89.


Keywords: Social behavior Hayek complexity mainstream microeconomics