Machine dreaming: an environmental perspective. (3rd March 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Juniper, James
• Is Part Of: International journal of environment, workplace and employment. Volume 1: Number 2(2005)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 239
• Publication Date: 2005-03-03
• Subjects: cybernetics -- philosophy of language -- system theory -- game theory -- general equilibrium -- tacit knowledge -- bounded rationality -- environmental sustainability -- economic theory -- sustainable development; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Environmental economics -- Periodicals; Employment -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Social responsibility of business -- Periodicals; 338.927
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-8437

Abstract

Mirowski's Machine Dreaming provides an invaluable critical history of the post-war development of economic theory under the influence of military-funded Cold War research into the cybernetic sciences. However, this reviewer argues that in restricting the scope of his historical analysis to the influence of the natural sciences over the development of economic thought, Mirowski has neglected a variety of traditions within cybernetics and systems theory that draw on the philosophy of language. Moreover, the paper traces the influence these neglected traditions have exerted over various strands of economic analysis. Finally, these strands of economic theory are interrogated to identify various ways they have influenced the development of richer and more comprehensive notions of environmental sustainability.