论科斯对经济学方法论的贡献——以《社会成本问题》为例

Coase's Contribution to Economics Methodology:An Analysis to The Problem of Social Cost

在我国,经济学理论研究探讨的深度和广度远远超过了理论背后的方法论的研究探讨。本文旨在唤起对这一不平衡格局的注意。为了避免泛泛而谈,本文通过解读一篇经典文献———科斯的《社会成本问题》,来展现学习经济学理论背后的方法论的现实意义。本文从基础方法论视角发现,科斯对经济学逻辑起点进行了质变的扩展;从实证主义视角发现,科斯从真实的世界假设,运用现实的案例推理,概括出一个“定理”;从“范式”革命的视角发现,科斯用“交易费用”这一新范式为经济学理论发展构建了更有前景的学术平台。最后,本文尝试着梳理出形成经济学方法论基础的一般性思路。

In China- study on economics theories is deeper and wider than that of their methodology. This article aims to call for attention to this imblance. By learning a piece of classic paper- named The Problem of Social Cost written by R.Coase- we attempt to demonstrate the meaning of study on methodology and the foundation of economics theories. From three aspects of foundation- empiricism and paradigm, we try to show the methodology value in this famous paper and clear the general thought of establishing economics methodology foundation.