I suggest to refer to Chapter (1), Part (2) "Why Shall We Study the History of Economics" of the introduction of J. A. Schumpeter: "History of Economic Analysis",1954, where the author provides four different reasons for "the study of the history of analytical work", partly without reference to economics, partly with special reference to economics. This is by itself a good application of the history of economic thought. Dieter ----- Original Message ----- From: John Womack <[log in to unmask]> To: History of Economics Societies <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 2:35 PM Subject: HES: QUERY--Why teach the history of error? > ----------------- HES POSTING ----------------- > I have heard here [Harvard] that economists in the Economics Department scoff at the history of economics in this question, "Why teach the history of error?" And, "Would they teach the history of medicine in the Med School?" That seems stupid to me, but these fellows are not stupid. How do you answer them? > > John Womack > > ----------------- FOOTER TO HES POSTING ----------------- > [log in to unmask] > http://eh.net/mailman/listinfo/hes