Friedman's instrumentalism in F53. A Weberian reading

Abstract

In this paper, Weber’s methodology of ideal types is applied as a framework to argue for the instrumentalist interpretation of Friedman’s methodology of positive economics. Weber’s ideal-typical methodology is characterized as a mix of descriptive inaccuracy and causal adequacy. Based on some recent structuralist results in the philosophy of science it is highlighted how intimately causal understanding and the properties of entities are related. The main contrast between Weber and Friedman consists in the emphases they placed on the causal properties of agents. It is argued that Friedman’s instrumentalism results from his neglect of entity properties for no causal understanding can be placed upon neglected characteristics. By identifying some channels through which methodological Weberianism could spread, the possibility of a real albeit indirect connection between Weber and Friedman is suggested, with Frank H. Knight as the most probable diffuser.

Milton Friedman’s Empirical Approach to Economics: Searching for Scientific Authority While Shaping the University of Chicago Economics Department

“…20 It is important to highlight that there is no consensus on the association of Friedman with positivistic principles. For instance, Eric Schliesser (2011), Peter Galbács (2019, and others associate Friedman with a Weberian tradition. 21 We must note how far Friedman was from the Vienna Circle as to the proper definition of theoretical terms.…”