Call for Papers

Evolutions of the disciplinary boundaries of Economics with the other sciences

The history of Economics shows that this discipline has always borrowed from other sciences (Moral sciences, Sociology, Biology, Physics, Psychology, Political science, Mathematics, etc.) to develop itself and innovate. In the same vein, Economics has been a source of inspiration for other disciplines (Law, Physics, Management, Geography, etc.). While the exchanges between Economics and other disciplines have already been analyzed in the literature, the continuing redefinition of disciplinary boundaries brings new elements to historians. The growing fragmentation of knowledge in Economics that is accompanied by a growing autonomy of some of its subfields also questions the intradisciplinary boundaries.

The evolutions of the disciplinary boundaries of Economics raise many questions. How were these boundaries defined? How did they evolve? Is there a disciplinary coherence in Economics? Can we identify in the history of Economics periods of expansion or narrowing of the scope of Economics?

Analyzing the disciplinary boundaries raises the question of the links between the various sciences. What relationships does Economics maintain with other disciplines and how do these links evolve over time? What is the significance of issues about multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity in Economics? How do neighboring disciplines define their scope in relation to Economics? How do economists push boundaries, apart from economic imperialism and related with interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary work or collaboration across disciplines on specific issues? How do scientists from other disciplines change the boundaries of Economics? How does the collaboration of economists with other scientists redefine the boundaries of both sciences? Sustainable development is an illustration of how Economics interacts with other disciplines to innovate.

Proposals

By analyzing changes in the disciplinary boundaries of Economics, this workshop will help to clarify the scope of this discipline. Proposals illustrating a global perspective (such as the relationship between Law and Economics), a case study (such as the role of the Santa Fe institute), as well as the work of specific authors or on topics or subjects traditionally considered outside of economics are especially welcome.

An abstract of about 500 words for a paper and 700 words for a session should be submitted using the following address gide2019@teluq.ca no later than December 15, 2018. All proposals will be studied, in consultation with the members of the scientific committee, and grouped by theme.

A selection of papers will be published in a special issue of Journal of History of Economic Thought co-edited by John B. Davis and Franck Jovanovic.

A collection of papers is also planned for a volume in the Routledge Advances in Social Economics series to be co-edited by John B. Davis and Franck Jovanovic.

Language of presentation

Activities can be presented in French, English or both languages.

Key dates

December 15, 2018
Deadline for submitting the proposals

December 20, 2018
Answer

May 25, 2019
Deadline for sending the paper