A Notion Evolving: From 'Institutional Path Dependence' to 'Intellectual Path Dependence'

Economics Bulletin 32 (2): 1091-1098

Posted: 4 Apr 2012

Date Written: 2012

Abstract

How do ideas evolve? Can one speak of scientific progress when there is more than one pathway of intellectual evolution in which different ideas emerge and flow in different directions? Is the history of economic analysis a compilation of a number of intellectual pathways? This essay argues that it is possible to understand the course of history as a number of overlapping, divergent, and endlessly changing pathways. Such pathways operate in different fashions. They sometimes lead to more coherent and high levels of understanding. And sometimes they delay or obstruct advancement in intellectual history. In both cases, outcomes are unpredictable and multi-directional.

Keywords: Institutional path dependence, intellectual path dependence, epistemic cost, evolutionary political economy

JEL Classification: B00, B41, B52

Suggested Citation

Yalcintas, Altug, A Notion Evolving: From 'Institutional Path Dependence' to 'Intellectual Path Dependence' (2012). Economics Bulletin 32 (2): 1091-1098, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2034566

Altug Yalcintas (Contact Author)

Ankara University ( email )

TR-06590 Cebeci
Ankara
Turkey

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