2008/04/25 by Roger E. Backhouse, Steven G. Medema · 1 citation
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · #Economic Theory and Institutions #Economic Theory and Policy
paper · doi:10.1057/9780230226203.0442
openalex publication_date 2008/04/25 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/26
Economics is difficult to define unambiguously, many definitions having been proposed as the subject has evolved. Definitions are ex post constructions, even rationalizations, but they can nonetheless influence what economist do and how they set about doing it. This article considers the main definitions from the late 18th century to the present, pointing out some of the ways in which changing views reflect and have influenced changes in the subject.