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A note on Lucas and the Ricardian Vice

ABSTRACT

Senior indetermination stresses the limitations of “pure” theory to derive normative conclusions. This paper tries to show that Lucas runs into the so-called Ricardian Vice, when he goes straight from abstract theoretical models to economic policy formulations. It is argued that such a procedure is related to Lucas methodological positions. That is, the “as if” methodology - inherited from Friedman - would lead to disregard of external elements in policy prescriptions.

KEYWORDS:
Ricardian Vice; indetermination of Senior; Lucas; New Classical; history of economic thought

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