ABSTRACT
In contrast to statics and dynamics in mainstream economics, evolutionary economics is lacking a comparative approach. Such an approach is required for answering the following question: How can a process be changed by thought experiments at critical points in time – so-called multifurcation points – where multiple feasible and equally justifiable paths are possible? This requires a process to be at least partially open loop, i.e. not completely predetermined from the outset. The author provides a method for a comparative evolutionary analysis using counterfactual implications from the nature of contingent processes which are “possible, but not necessary”. Going one step further from this a method for measuring causality of process states in a gradual way is derived which also allows for integrating probability information.
