OFCE/SKEMA Seminar
February 1st, 2013
Macroeconomic networks: Trade, Migration and Finance
Guest Speaker: Giorgio Fagiolo (Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies)
Abstract: We discuss recent empirical and theoretical work that addresses the study of interactions among world countries from a complex-network perspective. We ask three main questions: i) what is the topological structure of macroeconomic networks? ii) are there simple models that can explain that structure? iii) can the topology of macroeconomic networks explain macroeconomic dynamics?
11:00 - 12:30, room DELTA
Knowledge as Explanations: Some Methodological Implications
Guest Speaker: Marco Valente (University of L'Aquila)
Abstract: This paper is a contribution to the definition of a rigorous methodology in Economics. We propose to adopt the explanation as the basic unit of scientific knowledge, of which we provide a formal definition rooted in simple and intuitive concepts. The paper shows a number of interesting consequences deriving from this proposal that, collectively, will contribute to the identification of a rigorous and shared protocol for research in Economics. One of the advantages of the proposal advanced in the paper is the possibility to re-frame the debate on validation of models, i.e. their relative adherence to reality. In the light of the proposed approach we claim that there exist a fundamental difference between describing and explaining. This discussion is particularly relevant to clarify merits and limitations of the research tools most concerned with validation of results, such as econometric analysis and agent-based simulation models.
14:00 - 15:30, room DELTA