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The structuralism method: the economics acknowledges its limits

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the method of the latin american structuralism from the works of Octávio Rodriguez and Celso Furtado in a historical and philosophical perspective of science based on the studies of Thomas Kuhn. We analyze the ECLAC's contribution, mainly from Furtado’s theoretic point of views, showing that he seeks a dialogue between its historical-structural analysis and the mainstream hypothetical-deductive analyzes. He points out the variation of parameters as an appropriate tool for the Historical and structural analysis of underdevelopment issues. Furtado suggested a methodological perspective that allows the recognition of the economic science limits. He starts from the traditional point of view of the hypothetical-deductive method and, without denying it a priori, proposes to include history and institutions in economic analysis, understanding them as necessary conditions for the full understanding of economic variables.

Keywords:
Economic Methods; Estruturalism; ECLAC; Celso Furtado

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