The Methodology Of Economic History

Abstract

This discussion of tho methodology of economic history sets out to justify the presentation of rigorous Gconomic models to test : historical hypotheses. It 2rguos for the legitimacy of attempting both directional and magnitudinal estimates of significGnt economic variables despite data shortcomings. It gives, finally, a systematic set of questions which need answeri ng if the economic historian is to give true economic inSights rather than impose his frame on the pattern of events no matter what contro.dictions he auppresses in the process.