Publication
Title
Mechanics meets economics, once again : the "rational economics" project of the Guillaume brothers
Author
Abstract
In the 1930s the Swiss brothers Édouard and Georges Guillaume launched an ambitious attempt to found a science of rational economics by analogy with the science of rational mechanics. Their models were intensively discussed by the X-Crise group in Paris, and exerted an influence on the early French contributions to mathematical economics and econometrics. In addition, the Guillaume brothers (hereafter the Guillaumes) created their own research institute in Paris, which applied their models to real world issues and offered its services to the private sector. Later they became involved in attempts to conceive electrical machines which represented the working of the economic system. This paper explores the specific blend of physics and economics proposed by the Guillaumes, and traces the connections between their theoretical work and its more practical manifestations. It examines the background of the Guillaumes, analyses their theoretical contributions, and presents a survey of the activities of their research centre.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Oeconomia. - Paris, 2011 - 2013
Publication
Paris : 2015
ISSN
2113-5207 [print]
2269-8450 [online]
DOI
10.4000/OECONOMIA.1409
Volume/pages
5 :2 (2015) , p. 125-156
ISI
000218273700001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
VABB-SHW
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 30.06.2015
Last edited 29.12.2021
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