Explaining Technical Change: A Case Study in the Philosophy of Science (Studies in Rationality and Social Change)

Elster, Jon

ISBN 10: 0521270723 / ISBN 13: 9780521270724

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2009

About this Item

Seller Inventory # E-9780521270724-2-2

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Explaining Technical Change: A Case Study in the Philosophy of Science (Studies in Rationality and Social Change)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521270723
• ISBN 13: 9780521270724
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very good

About this title

Synopsis

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.

Book Description

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.