In Favor of Rigor and Relevance: A Reply to Mark Blaug

Mark Blaug has written another paper in which he attacks “Sraffian” economics. He characterizes his piece as “a new version of an earlier effort [that] extends and hopefully deepens the argument.” A careful scrutiny of the paper shows that Blaug reiterates once again his previous criticisms, adds a few new ones, but does not enter into a serious discussion of the replies to his earlier efforts. We provide an overall assessment of Blaug's various attacks on “Sraffians” and draw readers' attention to a significant change in direction in his recent one. In addition, we refute a number of contentions and remarks by Blaug. We conclude with a plea for rigor and relevance.