New theoretical city or dispersed tribes? an exploration journey through contemporary heterodox economics and methodology

Abstract

Abstract The paper offers the reader what could be synthesized as a “fresh look” on the authors, currents and debates of heterodox economics and methodology. The intention is to present a non-pretentious and, if possible, entertaining pedagogical text for the use of non-experts and for the possible reflection of the experts. Following the best tradition of literary, philosophical and theological travel characters – such as Homer’s Odysseus, Dante’s Virgil, or Calvino’s Marco Polo – the paper develops the theme on the journey story of “Adam B”, an imaginary epistemological explorer of contemporary economics’ territories. This traveler, like a cultural anthropologist or an adventurer, discovers new economic regions with no more elements in the backpack than his desire to know, some general pressing questions and a few specific research goals. The paper presents a series of descriptions, impressions and questions about the activities of the heterodox inhabitants - economists and methodologists - of economic lands.