ABSTRACT
There are numerous facets to the project of critical realism as it has been developed in economics. Most obviously it offers a conception and analysis of the nature of reality, both natural and social. And through drawing on this analysis, specific claims are made regarding, amongst other things, the possibility of (and possibilities for) economics as social science, the relation of the study of social phenomena to certain (successful) natural sciences, the nature and relevance of contemporary mainstream economics, and the character of social, including emancipatory, change. Various aspects of this realist project are challenged in the previous four chapters. However, it is possible to discern five areas which receive the greater part of the criticism. These are (1) the role of transcendental argument in establishing the relative advantages of the broad perspective sustained; (2) the (philosophical) manner in which the perspective on social science is supported; (3) the analysis and critique offered of the nature and relevance of modern mainstream economics; (4) the account provided of social scientific explanation; and (5) the assessment made of the role of science in society, specifically in relation to any project of human emancipation. I use these five areas of critical focus to structure the discussion below.
