Year: 2005
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Geographical economics (also known as the new economic \ngeography) is a recent approach developed within economics. It aims to provide a \nunified framework for the study of spatial agglomeration: the spatial \nconcentration of economic activity. This search for unity stands in sharp \ncontrast with the present plurality of approaches which seek to explain the same \nphenomenon across a variety of disciplines such as urban and regional economics, \neconomic geography, and strategic management. More than any of the existing \napproaches, geographical economics has been contested by proponents of \nalternative theories. This dissertation investigates the general issues of \nunity, plurality and explanation by analysing them in relation to the case of \ngeographical economics and its neighbours. Insights from the philosophy of \nscience are employed to reveal the heretofore-unanalyzed rivalries and \ncomplementarities and to assess their potential for contributing to a unified \ntheor! \n y of spatial agglomeration. The thesis is comprised of four independent essays \nthat address these issues from diverse perspectives. In addition, a fifth \nintroductory essay maps the common philosophical premises and outlines the \noverarching philosophical framework. In particular, insights concerning the \npartial and approximate nature of theories and the contrastive approach to \nexplanation are brought together so as to individuate grounds for a \nrealism-based pluralism. The contribution of this dissertation is twofold. \nFirst, the elucidation of inter-theoretic relations among geographical economics \nand its neighbours can foster enhanced communication among proponents of \nalternative approaches, and thereby theoretical progress. Second, in line with \nthe current trend in the philosophy of science, the analysis of detailed cases \nof actual scientific practice carried out here is used to improve the adequacy \nof the selected philosophical accounts.
Author: Caterina Marchionni
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Academy of Finland
OpenAlex ID: W2159089172