TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose– The aim of this paper is to show that metaphors play an important role in the making of economics. Design/methodology/approach– The paper’s discussion is situated within the framework of methodology of economics. It refers to recent studies on the role of metaphors in economics, as well as to the rhetoric – realism controversy (e.g. D. McCloskey versus U. Mäki). Findings– The principal results of the paper are: the demonstration of the importance of metaphors in economics; and the claim that metaphors are not only used for rhetorical purposes but also serve as research tools indispensable in explaining economic phenomena. They are also essential in economic modeling. Research limitations/implications– The claim that economic models function as networks of metaphors needs further in-depth study, in particular drawing on insights from cognitive linguistics, where we find many interesting research projects currently underway, would be desirable. Originality/value– The article contributes to the rhetoric – realism debate in economics. It adds some arguments to the literature claiming that rhetoric can be compatible with realism.
VL  - 22
IS  - 4
SN  - 1074-8121
DO  - 10.1108/OTH-11-2013-0059
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/OTH-11-2013-0059
AU  - Hardt Lukasz
ED  - Dr Tanweer Ali
PY  - 2014
Y1  - 2014/01/01
TI  - Metaphors as research tools in economics
T2  - On the Horizon
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 256
EP  - 264
Y2  - 2024/04/25
ER  -