ABSTRACT
The adoption of the ‘energetics’ metaphor and framework of midnineteenth century physics is the birthmark of neoclassical economics…. [365]
…the rise of energetics in physical theory induced the invention of neoclassical economic theory by providing the metaphor, the mathematical techniques, and the new attitudes towards theory construction. Neoclassical economic theory was appropriated wholesale from mid-nineteenth century physics; utility was redefined so as to be identical with energy…. [366]
…neoclassical economics is bowdlerised nineteenth century physics…neoclassicism was not ‘simultaneously discovered’ because it was ‘true’, as Jevons and others would have it; instead the timing of its genesis is explained by the timing of the energetics revolution in physics…. [377]
(Mirowski 1984:365, 366, 377) These are strong assertions. I do not believe that Mirowski has made his case. He has adopted an illegitimately narrow version of ‘neoclassicism’ from the perspective of those he himself classifies as neoclassical; and even on his own terms he fails to demonstrate the significance of the energy metaphor.
