The Causes of the Socio-political Irrelevance of Economic and Social Sciences

This lecture considers why economic and social sciences feature to such a small extent in socio-political debate, and how this might be changed. Amongst other things, causes of this socio-political irrelevance include a systematic communication deficit within the field of academic research, whereby research findings are not made known to potential addressees. The incentives in academic systems provide for a production of knowledge which systematically hinders a constructive approach to dealing with knowledge gaps. Figuratively speaking, the body of knowledge is rapidly growing, but in breadth, rather than in height. Empirical social research in particular, tends to prevent a systematic review of research findings. De facto, basic principles governing academic work are not respected. On this basis, the prospect of returning to the dialectal principle and the objectivity of scientific findings shall be discussed.