Reconsidering a Milliana distinction: Theoretical and applied economics

  • Eduardo R. Scarano CIECE-IIEP

Abstract

This paper intends to show the insufficiency of the millian distinction between science and applied  science (or technology). For J. S. Mill, science is composed of true statements and achieves laws, while applied science consists of sentences that prescribe which laws of science to apply to achieve a certain practical end. The most important reasons for reconsidering the millian distinction are discussed: a theory has a coherent theoretical framework while an application may be a collage of incompatible theories technology incorporates non-scientific knowledge (common and expert knowledge) and ethical, political, socioeconomic components. Science has a coherent theoretical framework while technology can integrate incompatible theories; technology integrates non-scientific knowledge (common and expert knowledge) and non-cognitive aspects, ethical, political, and socioeconomic components into its design; and while in Art novelty is the way of combining known causes and phenomena, technology creates them.

Published
2023-12-16
How to Cite
Scarano, E. (2023). Reconsidering a Milliana distinction: Theoretical and applied economics. Philosophy of Economics, 11, 13. Retrieved from https://ojs.econ.uba.ar/index.php/CIECE/article/view/2943
Section
Artículos académicos