Fritz Machlup and Behavioralism
Posted: 20 Feb 2001
Abstract
This paper is concerned with Fritz Machlup's defense of neoclassical economics against organizational economics and the behavioral theory of the firm. Machlup's objections to organizational economics were narrowly semantic. Properly understood, however, Machlup's methodology has much to offer organizational theory. His position has been mistaken for a form of positivism and as equivalent to Milton Friedman's methodology. In fact, Machlup was a leading methodological subjectivist. Surprisingly, Machlup's version of neoclassical theory is complementary to organizational economics, including behavioralism.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Koppl, Roger and Koppl, Roger, Fritz Machlup and Behavioralism. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=256605
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