Mathiness in the Theory of Economic Growth

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2015
Volume: 105
Issue: 5
Pages: 89-93

Score contribution per author:

8.043 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Mathiness lets academic politics masquerade as science. Like mathematical theory, mathiness uses a mixture of words and symbols, but instead of making tight links, it leaves ample room for slippage between statements in the languages of words as opposed to symbols, and between statements with theoretical as opposed to empirical content. Because it is difficult to distinguish machines from mathematical theory, the market for lemons tells us that the market for mathematical theory might collapse, leaving only machines as entertainment that is worth little but cheap to produce.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:105:y:2015:i:5:p:89-93
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-29