论经济学方法的互补性

Mutual Complementarity of Economic Research Methods

经济学中的“工具理性”强调“经济人”假定,注重数学模型分析,当代西方经济学研究中已经明显地暴露了“工具理性”忽略“人文”因素的根本弱点。在我国的经济学研究中,应该以此为训。我国经济学研究手段在改革开放后有很大进步,但与发达国家比较还有较大差距。因此,要注重根据我国的国情,学习、鉴别和利用经济学的“工具”;批判“工具理性”不是当务之急。“工具”和“人文”在经济学研究中不是非此即彼,而是相得益彰的互补关系。

Instrumental rationalism emphasizes rational person hypothesis and mathematical model analysis in economics. Its basic one - sidedness has already been exposed in economic research among western scholars, and should be taken as a lesson for Chinese scholars. Great progress have been made on economic research methods in China since the beginning of reform and open policy. Yet compared to developed nations there is a long way to go. Accordingly greater emphasis should be placed on study, analysis and making use of 'instrument'of economics, instead of criticizing 'Instrumental Rationalism'. 'Instrument'and 'humanism'are of mutual complement, just like two sides of one coin, and both are crucial ideas in economic research.