Metaphors as Research Tools in Economics

On the Horizon, vol. 22(4), 256-264

11 Pages Posted: 2 Dec 2014

See all articles by Lukasz Hardt

Lukasz Hardt

University of Warsaw - Department of Economics and Business

Date Written: November 2, 2014

Abstract

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to show that metaphors play an important role in the making of economics.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper’s discussion is situated within the framework of methodology of economics. It refers to recent studies on the role of metaphors in economics, as well as to the rhetoric – realism controversy (e.g. D. McCloskey versus U. Mäki).

Findings

– The principal results of the paper are: the demonstration of the importance of metaphors in economics; and the claim that metaphors are not only used for rhetorical purposes but also serve as research tools indispensable in explaining economic phenomena. They are also essential in economic modeling.

Research limitations/implications

– The claim that economic models function as networks of metaphors needs further in-depth study, in particular drawing on insights from cognitive linguistics, where we find many interesting research projects currently underway, would be desirable.

Originality/value

– The article contributes to the rhetoric – realism debate in economics. It adds some arguments to the literature claiming that rhetoric can be compatible with realism.

Keywords: Rhetoric, Realism, Metaphors, Methodology of economics, Economic theorizing

JEL Classification: B40

Suggested Citation

Hardt, Lukasz, Metaphors as Research Tools in Economics (November 2, 2014). On the Horizon, vol. 22(4), 256-264, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2532827

Lukasz Hardt (Contact Author)

University of Warsaw - Department of Economics and Business ( email )

Warsaw, 00-241
Poland

HOME PAGE: http://www.wne.uw.edu.pl/lhardt

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
70
Abstract Views
442
Rank
594,111
PlumX Metrics