Since its publication in 1982, Beyond Positivism has become established as one of the definitive statements on economic methodology. The book s rejection of positivism and its advocacy of pluralism were to have a profound influence in the flowering of work methodology that has taken place in economics in the decade since its publication. This edition contains a new preface outlining the major developments in the area since the book s first appearance.

The book provides the first comprehensive treatment of twentieth century philosophy of science which emphasizes the issues...