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Sixth Annual European Conference on the History of Economics 
ECHE 2000 
 
University of Amsterdam 
20-22 April 2000 
 
CALL FOR PAPERS 
 
Changing Instruments in Economics 
 
While the history of economics has traditionally tended to focus  on 
theories and ideas  - "economic thought" - historians of economics are 
increasingly approaching their subject from different angles.  One such 
angle, inspired by recent work in the history and sociology of science, 
involves the consideration of those instruments used in the construction 
of economic theory and the pursuit of applied economic research. 
 
To solve their daily puzzles, economists have found instruments to help 
their research, ranging from graphical representations and mathematical 
techniques to computer technology. Some of these instruments were first 
developed outside, and then transferred into economics, while others were 
initially built for economic purposes but turned out to be more generally 
applicable. Sometimes these instruments also changed the nature of the 
problems to be solved, which,  in turn, required new instruments to be 
used. 
 
The theme of ECHE 2000 is the role and function of these instruments in 
economic practice and their interdependence with economic ideas, with the 
aim of reconsidering the historical relationship between instruments and 
theory.  We would like to gain more understanding of how the use of 
instruments affected the field in which they were used. How did 
instruments change what is regarded as economic explanation or 
understanding?  Why did some instruments temporarily succeed while others 
failed?  What may be said about the relationship between instruments of 
economic inquiry and political or cultural commitments? To what extent 
has the adoption of particular instruments brought with them broader 
concerns and engagements? 
 
Paper proposals of around 1000 words should clearly indicate the 
contribution of the paper to the theme of the conference. The deadline for 
the submission of paper proposals is 15 September 1999. Notice of 
acceptance or rejection will be sent on 30 September 1999. The accepted 
papers should be ready on 29 February 2000. 
 
The organizing committee of ECHE 2000 consists of: Marcel Boumans 
(University of Amsterdam), Jose Luis Cardoso (Technical University of 
Lisbon), Philippe Fontaine (Ecole Normale Superieure de Cachan), Albert 
Jolink (Erasmus University Rotterdam) and Robert Leonard (University of 
Quebec at Montreal). 
 
All proposals and requests for further information should be sent to: 
Marcel Boumans, University of Amsterdam, Roetersstraat 11, 1018 WB 
Amsterdam, The Netherlands. e-mail: [log in to unmask] 
 
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