Title: Ontology, pluralism, and economics education

Authors: Dennis Badeen

Addresses: York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada

Abstract: In this paper I argue that methodological reflection guided by a critique of the ontological foundations of economic theories can be used to enhance arguments for a pluralist economics education. I accomplish this by reviewing the literature regarding the requirements for a pluralist economics education and by developing four ontologies that I argue are foundational for every economic theory. The paper concludes by suggesting how methodological and ontological reflection can be incorporated into a pluralist economics education.

Keywords: ontology; methodology; neoclassical economics; mainstream economics; pluralism; heterodox economics; Marxist political economy; economics education; economic theories.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2013.055445

International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education, 2013 Vol.4 No.2, pp.210 - 223

Published online: 30 Apr 2014 *

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