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Value Judgements - Assumptions about norms and values in economic models

6 important questions on Value Judgements - Assumptions about norms and values in economic models

Why are norms and values not being used in models?

This does not happen, because LP is still a thing, who didn't want people to abuse science
- science should not be subject to moral judgement, so it won't be abused.

What distinction should be made regarding abuse of science?

There is a difference between abusing science with politics (nazi's) and ideology and using science according to shared social values
--> It is important that it is clear what value judgements are used in any theory

What is neutral science? LP

Science is a neutral instrument that provides facts/truth
- Development of the means that can be used to get to a specific goal

VB: Politicians have a choice of ends, neutral science provides the means, politicians choose the means

What is the problem with science and society?

Science can develop things that do not serve society, until there is a breakthrough which can in return be useful for society
- Politicians don't always know which ends are necessary/ means (computers)

What is naturalistic legitimation?

Science is seen as an ideal type of human activity, that just happens to make the world a better place (naturally legitimated)
vb: medicine

Not always good: nuclear science (de-legitimate)

Is economics a field that is naturally legitimate?

Countries where there is capitalism, there is more growth (market-oriented)
- So it seems so (about the market)

But: countries that are guided to free up the market grow faster than countries that quickly do so
vb: China