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Complexity in Economics and Prediction: The Role of Parsimonious Factors1

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Part of the book series: The Philosophy of Science in a European Perspective ((PSEP,volume 2))

Abstract

Complexity is a key feature in the sciences of design from the point of view of their framework—or constitutive elements—as well as of their dynamics. This twofold complexity affects economics insofar as it is one of the sciences of the artificial. In this regard, economics is a “science of design” that enlarges our possibilities towards the future and uses prediction as a basis for decision-making. But economics is also a social science that deals with human needs. This feature adds more factors to the analysis of its complex configuration as a science and its dynamic evolution. Commonly, the studies on complexity in economics are focused on particular forms of expression of complexity rather than on the roots of this problem as a dual science (i.e., artificial and social).

1 This research is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (FFI2008-05948).

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Correspondence to Wenceslao J. Gonzalez .

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© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

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Gonzalez, W.J. (2011). Complexity in Economics and Prediction: The Role of Parsimonious Factors1 . In: Dieks, D., Gonzalez, W., Hartmann, S., Uebel, T., Weber, M. (eds) Explanation, Prediction, and Confirmation. The Philosophy of Science in a European Perspective, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1180-8_22

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