Henk Folmer
University of Groningen

The main purpose of the seminar is a critical evaluation of some aspects of the methodology of economics. First, I’ll discuss the role of methodology in doing research and show that it determines the outcome and reliability of research findings. Next, I’ll review the dominant methodology, i.e. neoclassical economics, on the basis of the criticisms of some prominent economists. Finally, I’ll present an overview of the social rationality model which allows turning economics into a “science of pleasure”, as recently suggested by McFadden.