Metaeconomists

Metaeconomists are scholars who study the field of economics itself. Rather than focusing on specific economic phenomena like inflation or labor markets, they examine the methods, assumptions, and philosophical underpinnings of economic inquiry. This meta-level analysis involves critically assessing how economic knowledge is produced, validated, and communicated.

Key areas of interest for metaeconomists include the history of economic thought, the epistemology of economics (how we know what we know in economics), and the sociology of economics (how economic communities function). They might investigate the role of models, the nature of economic laws, and the ethical implications of economic theories and policies. This field is distinct from mainstream economics in its focus on the discipline's structure and evolution rather than its direct application to economic problems.

Metaeconomics draws upon philosophy of science, history, and sociology to provide a deeper understanding of economics as a scientific and social practice. It aims to foster a more rigorous and self-aware approach to economic research and education, often questioning established paradigms and exploring alternative ways of understanding economic behavior and systems. The work of metaeconomists can influence how economists conduct their research and how economic ideas are taught and debated.