TY - BOOK ID - 17287289 TI - Behind the model PY - 2015 SN - 9781107069664 9781107677807 9781107706941 1107677807 1107069661 1107706947 1316365557 1316371557 PB - Cambridge Cambridge University Press DB - UniCat KW - Economics KW - Econometric models KW - Methodology KW - Evaluation KW - Mathematical models KW - Methodology of economics KW - Quantitative methods (economics) KW - Economics - Methodology - Evaluation KW - Economics - Mathematical models KW - Economics. KW - Econometric models. KW - Evaluation. KW - Mathematical models. UR - https://www.unicat.be/uniCat?func=search&query=sysid:17287289 AB - This ambitious book looks 'behind the model' to reveal how economists use formal models to generate insights into the economy. Drawing on recent work in the philosophy of science and economic methodology, the book presents a novel framework for understanding the logic of economic modeling. It also reveals the ways in which economic models can mislead rather than illuminate. Importantly, the book goes beyond purely negative critique, proposing a concrete program of methodological reform to better equip economists to detect potential mismatches between their models and the targets of their inquiry. Ranging across economics, philosophy, and social science methods, and drawing on a variety of examples, including the recent financial crisis, Behind the Model will be of interest to anyone who has wondered how economics works - and why it sometimes fails so spectacularly. ER -