Economic methodologists frequently complain that they are ignored by the mainstream. Practicing economists claim that methodology has nothing useful to say to them. In this typically provocative book, Lawrence Boland takes issue with both sides, arguing that there has been too much 'methodology for methodology's sake' and that mainstream economics might benefit by using methodology to take a critical look at economics theory.

Containing twenty essays, most of which are previously unpublished or extensively revised, the book discusses Friedman's famous essay on methodology, the role of the assumption of maximization in neoclassical economics, the limitations of traditional economic methodology, the possibilities for more fruitful methodological criticism, and Karl Popper's theory of science. Throughout, the essays emphasize the positive role of criticism as a central part of intellectual activity.