ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses three issues: the use of mathematics, the role of realism, and the time for synthesis. Professor Paul A. Samuelson is contemptuous of what he calls the “pseudo problems of qualitative essence.” Those who talk only one language are probably barred from the appreciation and understanding of some problems. On the other hand, a problem is sometimes recognized as a mere pseudo problem when its analysis is translated into other languages. There are those who disparage the use of mathematics in economic theory on the ground that it must result in “too unrealistic” models. Reality is complex and no single field of knowledge can suffice for grappling with concrete cases. “Application of theory” means, or should mean, synthesis of the findings of several disciplines. But “synthesis in the abstract” serves no good purpose.
