经济学运用数学的尺度

经济学是否“滥用”数学,不应以“量”来衡量,而应该采取卡尔多-希克斯效率的概念,即用了数学是不是比不用数学更好。经济学研究应该有三个层次:基础研究、应用研究、政策研究。不同层次的研究对数学的需求也是不同的,其中基础研究对数学的要求最高。不能因为经济现象的复杂性、部分经济学家不用数学同样取得成功来否定经济学数学化,经济学数学化会成为一种主流趋势,同时,经济学研究的方法也应该形成一个多元化的格局。

Measurement of the use of mathematics in economics

The author doubts whether mathematics is misused in economics. We should not depend on mathematics methods too much, but consider more about the concept of Kaldor- Hicks Efficiency, i.e. whether employing mathematics methods is better than vice versa. Economic researches can be classified into three levels: basic researches, applied researches, and policy researches. Researches at different levels have different requirements for mathematics, e.g. the first one demands for the best part. We should not deny mathematization of economics in the face of the complexity of economic phenomenon or just because of occasional successes achieved by some economists without using mathematics. Mathematization will become a mainstream. Meanwhile, it would be better to form a multi- layer pattern for economic research approaches.