Qualitative and quantitative analysis in systematic dialectics: Marx vs. Hegel and Arthur vs. Smith

Open Access
Authors
Publication date 2010
Number of pages 22
Publisher Amsterdam: University of Amsterdam, School of Economics
Organisations
  • Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) - Amsterdam School of Economics Research Institute (ASE-RI)
Abstract Whether capitalism is best studied using qualitative or quantitative methods is a standing issue. A key determinant in answering this is whether numerical measures can be meaningfully imposed on it epistemologically or even be said to constitute it ontologically. Reflecting on Smith’s and Arthur’s accounts of Hegel’s influence on Marx, it is concluded that both caveats are true for capitalism. Hence, quantitative methods certainly have potential in studying it, albeit that this conclusion itself could only be arrived at through qualitative means.
Document type Working paper
Language English
Published at http://www1.feb.uva.nl/pp/bin/1071fulltext.pdf
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