Marshall on Time and Mathematical Analysis

• Main Author: Vlassis Missos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Association Œconomia 2017-03-01
• Series: Œconomia
• Subjects: Marshall (Alfred); time; causality; mathematical analysis; synthesis
• Online Access: http://journals.openedition.org/oeconomia/2572

The essay offers an account of Alfred Marshall’s approach to mathematics and aims to deepen our understanding on his methodological considerations and views on Time. Contrary to what is commonly believed, 19th century mathematics developed in a manner similar to the evolution of political and economic ideas i.e. through passionate intellectual debates between opposing ideological parts. Time and the seek for its true meaning, constitutes a peculiar aspect of this controversy that the Cambridge Mathematical Tradition offers vital space for reflection. It is due to this educational background that Marshall separates between ‘t’ and ‘T’ and develops his skepticism against analytical reasoning. His thoughts on real time processes and on translating mathematical statements to economic language, advocates in favor of his unique intellectual depth. Research is textual, based on primary as well as secondary sources.