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Explaining Technical Change

Explaining Technical Change

Explaining Technical Change

A Case Study in the Philosophy of Science
Jon Elster
June 1983
Available
Paperback
9780521270724
$57.00
USD
Paperback
Hardback

    Technical change, defined as the manufacture and modification of tools, is generally thought to have played an important role in the evolution of intelligent life on earth, comparable to that of language. In this volume, first published in 1983, Jon Elster approaches the study of technical change from an epistemological perspective. He first sets out the main methods of scientific explanation and then applies those methods to some of the central theories of technical change. In particular, Elster considers neoclassical, evolutionary, and Marxist theories, whilst also devoting a chapter to Joseph Schumpeter's influential theory.

    Product details

    June 1983
    Paperback
    9780521270724
    276 pages
    229 × 152 × 16 mm
    0.35kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • Preface
    • General introduction
    • Part I. Modes of Scientific Explanation:
    • 1. Causal explanation
    • 2. Functional explanation
    • 3. Intentional explanation
    • Part II. Theories of Technical Change:
    • 4. Neoclassical theories
    • 5. Schumpeter's theory
    • 6. Evolutionary theories
    • 7. Marxist theories
    • Appendices
    • Notes
    • References
    • Index.
      Author
    • Jon Elster