nep-hpe New Economics Papers
on History and Philosophy of Economics
Issue of 2025–05–05
eight papers chosen by
Erik Thomson, University of Manitoba


  1. Has the barter theory of the origins of money been rejected? By Ganev, Georgy
  2. The role of ethical consumption in promoting democratic sustainability: revisiting neoclassical economics through Kantian ethics By Pascal Stiefenhofer
  3. Louis Rachou et René Georges-Étienne, Codes des comptables, 3e édition, réédition commentée par G. Heem et L. Marco By Gregory Heem; Luc Marco
  4. From Friedman to Taylor: The Revival of Monetary Policy Rules in the 1990s By Edward Nelson
  5. The Long-Run Impacts of Mentoring Underrepresented Minority Groups in Economics By Antman, Francisca M.; Qu, Sheng; Weinberg, Bruce A.; Logan, Trevon D.
  6. Introdução ao fascículo dedicado a Paul Krugman da coleção “Os economistas simplificados” By Pait, Felipe; Pait, Heloisa
  7. Statistical methods in public policy research By Heiss, Andrew
  8. Determinants of Technological Innovation Adoption: An Overview of Modern Theories By Morchid Meryeme; Mariam Cherqaoui; Jihad Issami

  1. By: Ganev, Georgy
    Abstract: No, the original barter theory of the origins of money (“the barter story” for short) has not been rejected. What has been rejected is a narrowly specific, and apparently parentless, version of the barter story based on the standard neoclassical synthesis modelling assumptions of homo œconomicus and fully-fledged market economies. As in all other myths, the myth of the rejection of the barter story contains a grain of truth, namely, that the actually lived human communities are much more complex and nuanced than assumed by the standard neoclassical synthesis economics rendition of the story. These grains of truth, as valuable and helpful as they can be for the improvement of economics, cannot change the conclusion that the original barter story remains standing.
    Keywords: barter; money; origins of money
    JEL: A12 B15 B29 E49 N10
    Date: 2025–01–31
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:124237
  2. By: Pascal Stiefenhofer
    Abstract: This paper explores how ethical consumption can transform democratic governance toward sustainability by challenging traditional economic models centered on utility and efficiency. As societal values shift toward transparency equity and environmental responsibility ethical consumers increasingly influence markets. Drawing on Whites Kantian economic framework and Ingleharts theory of value change the paper proposes a model integrating moral imperatives into economic theory. Using a vector bundle approach it captures evolving ethical preferences advocating for an inclusive sustainability focused economic paradigm aligned with post materialist values.
    Date: 2025–04
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2504.01138
  3. By: Gregory Heem (GREDEG - Groupe de Recherche en Droit, Economie et Gestion - UNS - Université Nice Sophia Antipolis (1965 - 2019) - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UniCA - Université Côte d'Azur); Luc Marco
    Abstract: The first practical guide to the regulations governing the leasing of accounting services was published in 1899 by business lawyer Louis Rachou under the enticing title Code des comptables. This edition was a great success, with the Ministry of Commerce purchasing several hundred copies. A second edition appeared in 1908, again written by the legal advisor to the Société Académique de Comptabilité. By the mid-1930s, however, the text had become outdated and out of date. That's why our author enlisted the services of another business lawyer specializing in private accountancy: René Georges-Etienne. This edition, re-examined, corrected and enlarged, underwent a final revision in 1939, again under the direction of Louis Rachou's favorite collaborator. Thus, for 40 years, this was the reference work of the French accounting profession. It is the third edition of 1934 that we offer in this annotated reprint, as this volume has disappeared from the main public libraries in our country. By taking stock of the legal regulations governing accounting firms, the self-employed and even itinerant accountants, this work is the precursor of today's professional ethics manuals. As such, it deserves to be reread and meditated upon to understand how accountants took the reins of their profession at the time of the great economic crisis of the 1930s.
    Abstract: Le premier guide pratique sur la réglementation du louage de services comptables a été publié en 1899 par l'avocat d'affaires Louis Rachou sous le titre alléchant de Code des comptables. Cette édition a connu un vif succès puisque le ministère du Commerce en a acheté plusieurs centaines d'exemplaires. Une deuxième édition parut en 1908, toujours sous la plume du conseiller juridique de la Société Académique de Comptabilité. Mais au milieu des années trente, le texte avait vieilli et n'était plus à jour. C'est pourquoi notre auteur s'est adjoint les services d'un autre avocat d'affaires spécialisé en comptabilité privée : René Georges-Etienne. Cette édition, re-vue, corrigée et augmentée, fera enfin l'objet d'une dernière révision en 1939, toujours sous la direction du collaborateur préféré de Louis Rachou. Ainsi, pendant 40 ans, ce fut l'ouvrage de référence de la profession comptable française. C'est la troisième édition de 1934 que nous proposons dans cette réédition commentée, car ce volume a disparu des principales biblio-thèques publiques de notre pays. En faisant le point sur la réglementation juridique qui encadrait les cabinets de comptabilité, les indépendants et même les comptables ambulants, cet ouvrage est le précurseur des manuels actuels de déontologie de la profession. A ce titre, il mérite d'être relu et médité pour comprendre comment les comptables ont pris les rênes de leur profession au moment de la grande crise économique des années trente.
    Keywords: Comptable, Comptable en entreprise, Comptable agréés, Expert comptable, Louage de service, Louage de services, Louis Rachou, René Georges-Etienne, Histoire de la comptabilité, Histoire de la profession comptable, Prud'homie, Prud'homme, Prud'hommes, déontologie, déontologie du comptable, Profession comptable, Profession comptable française, Profession comptable libérale
    Date: 2025–03
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05011444
  4. By: Edward Nelson
    Abstract: This paper examines the revival in the analysis of monetary policy rules that took place during the 1990s. The focus is on the role that John Taylor played in this revival. It is argued that Taylor’s role—most notably through his advancing the Taylor rule, developed in 1992−1993 and increasingly permeating discussions in research and policy circles over the subsequent several years—is usefully viewed as one of building bridges. In particular, Taylor created links between a monetary policy rules tradition closely associated with Milton Friedman and an interest-rate setting tradition long associated with central banks. The rules tradition had looked unfavorably on interest-rate setting, while the central bank tradition was unfavorably disposed toward policy rules. The Taylor rule helped create a compromise between the traditions, while also advancing an interest-rate reaction function that helped create a revival during the 1990s of economic research on monetary policy rules.
    Keywords: Taylor rule; Interest rate rules
    JEL: E52 E58
    Date: 2025–03–28
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:fedgfe:2025-23
  5. By: Antman, Francisca M. (University of Colorado, Boulder); Qu, Sheng (University of Colorado, Boulder); Weinberg, Bruce A. (Ohio State University); Logan, Trevon D. (Ohio State University)
    Abstract: We conduct a long-run evaluation of one of the oldest professional mentoring programs for underrepresented groups in economics, the American Economic Association Mentoring Program (AEAMP). The AEAMP was established to address the underrepresentation of racial/ethnic minority groups by mentoring doctoral students and new Ph.D.s in economics. We compare professional outcomes of mentees with similar individuals from the same Ph.D. cohort who did not participate in the program. While there are no differences for many outcomes, mentees are more likely to hold a tenure-track or tenured position. Our results point to the potential for mentoring programs to address persistent racial/ethnic disparities.
    Keywords: underrepresented minority groups, mentoring
    JEL: J15 I23
    Date: 2025–04
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17829
  6. By: Pait, Felipe (Universidade de São Paulo); Pait, Heloisa
    Abstract: Nesse artigo fazemos uma introdução aos trabalhos do economista Paul Krugman, apresentando suas contribuições à ciência e seus artigos de divulgação que são objetos de polêmicas. Descrevemos sua carreiras como professor americano, e suas contribuições para a arte da formalização em ciências sociais, as investigações em localização da economia que conduziram ao prêmio Nobel. Discutimos também as contribuições de Krugman para o entendimento de bolhas e armadilhas econômicas, e para teorias do desenvolvimento, de particular interesse para o Brasil. O artigo foi escrito como introdução explicativa para uma coletânea de artigos a ser publicada em forma de livro. Infelizmente a editora não pode levar a cabo o projeto, por motivos financeiros. O texto fica aqui disponível como preprint, sem infringir direitos autorais.
    Date: 2025–04–18
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:9uhbq_v1
  7. By: Heiss, Andrew (Georgia State University)
    Abstract: This essay provides an overview of statistical methods in public policy, focused primarily on the United States. I trace the historical development of quantitative approaches in policy research, from early ad hoc applications through the 19th and early 20th centuries, to the full institutionalization of statistical analysis in federal, state, local, and nonprofit agencies by the late 20th century. I then outline three core methodological approaches to policy-centered statistical research across social science disciplines: description, explanation, and prediction, framing each in terms of the focus of the analysis. In descriptive work, researchers explore *what exists* and examine any variable of interest to understand their different distributions and relationships. In explanatory work, researchers ask *why does it exist* and *how can it be influenced*. The focus of the analysis is on explanatory variables (X) to either (1) accurately estimate their relationship with an outcome variable (Y), or (2) causally attribute the effect of specific explanatory variables on outcomes. In predictive work, researchers as *what will happen next* and focus on the outcome variable (Y) and on generating accurate forecasts, classifications, and predictions from new data. For each approach, I examine key techniques, their applications in policy contexts, and important methodological considerations. I then consider critical perspectives on quantitative policy analysis framed around issues related to a three-part "data imperative" where governments are driven to count, gather, and learn from data. Each of these imperatives entail substantial issues related to privacy, accountability, democratic participation, and epistemic inequalities—issues at odds with public sector values of transparency and openness. I conclude by identifying some emerging trends in public sector-focused data science, inclusive ethical guidelines, open research practices, and future directions for the field.
    Date: 2025–03–12
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:cwymb_v1
  8. By: Morchid Meryeme (laboratoire de recherche en sciences de gestion des organisations - ENCG Kenitra); Mariam Cherqaoui (laboratoire de recherche en sciences de gestion des organisations - ENCG Kenitra); Jihad Issami (laboratoire de recherche en sciences de gestion des organisations - ENCG Kenitra)
    Abstract: The adoption of technological innovations is a complex process influenced by various individual, social, and organizational factors. This paper provides an overview of key modern theories explaining this phenomenon. The Diffusion of Innovation Theory (Rogers, 1962) highlights the role of adopter categories and communication networks, while the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975) focus on cognitive perceptions and individual attitudes. The Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) and its decomposed version (Taylor & Todd, 1995) introduce the concept of perceived behavioral control. More recently, the UTAUT1 and UTAUT2 models (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) have expanded these frameworks by incorporating additional factors such as habit, hedonic motivation, and contextual influences. Through a comparative analysis of these models, this study highlights their complementarities and limitations. It emphasizes the need for a more integrative and dynamic approach to better understand technology adoption in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Finally, the paper discusses perspectives for enhancing existing theoretical frameworks to provide a more comprehensive and adaptive understanding of technological transformations.
    Abstract: L'adoption des innovations technologiques est un processus complexe, influencé par divers facteurs individuels, sociaux et organisationnels. Cet article propose une synthèse des principales théories modernes expliquant ce phénomène. La théorie de la diffusion des innovations (Rogers, 1962) met en avant le rôle des catégories d'adoptants et des réseaux de communication, tandis que le modèle d'acceptation de la technologie (Davis, 1989) et la théorie de l'action raisonnée (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975) s'attachent aux perceptions cognitives et aux attitudes individuelles. La théorie du comportement planifié (Ajzen, 1991) et sa version décomposée (Taylor & Todd, 1995) introduisent le concept de contrôle comportemental perçu. Plus récemment, les modèles UTAUT1 et UTAUT2 (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) ont élargi ces cadres en intégrant des facteurs additionnels tels que l'habitude, la motivation hédonique et les influences contextuelles. À travers une analyse comparative de ces modèles, cette étude met en évidence leurs complémentarités et leurs limites. Elle souligne la nécessité d'une approche plus intégrative et dynamique afin de mieux comprendre l'adoption des technologies dans un environnement numérique en constante évolution. Enfin, l'article discute des perspectives d'amélioration des cadres théoriques existants pour offrir une compréhension plus globale et adaptative des transformations technologiques.
    Keywords: Technological innovation, Adoption of innovations, Determinants of adoption, Modern theories, Influential factors, Innovation technologique, Adoption des innovations, Déterminants de l'adoption, Théories modernes, Facteurs d'influence, Technological innovation Adoption of innovations Determinants of adoption Modern theories Influential factors
    Date: 2025–02–21
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04962090

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