Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to trace the development of economic theory to the point where “economic rationalism” is a commonly used term. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on earlier research and published works examining: the history of economics; economic...

Purpose – The paper seeks to analyze the discourse of meaning and interpretation in the social sciences. It aims to provide a historical overview of the hermeneutics and the need for scientific as well as general understanding, and to emphasize the importance of the interpretive approach in...