Intangible Flow Theory

Cardao-Pito, Tiago (2004): Intangible Flow Theory. Forthcoming in: American Journal of Economics and Sociology

Abstract

The intangible flow theory explains that flows of economic material elements (such as physical goods; or cash) are consummated by human related intangible flows (such as work flows; service flows; information flows; or communicational flows) that cannot be precisely appraised at an actual or approximate value, and have properties precluding them from being classified as assets or capitals. Therefore, although mathematical/quantitative research methodologies are very relevant for science, they are insufficient to study economy and society.

Due to its prejudice against non mathematical/quantitative scientific reasoning, neo-classic economics could not be technologically prepared to reach the intangible flow dynamics of economic phenomena. Furthermore, the neo-classic solution to call people human assets or human capital, besides being ethically very questionable, offers performative non-scientific metaphors that intervene in the production of the reality they claim to represent; and sabotages the study of well delimited research questions by scientific approaches outside the realm of neo-classic economics.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: intangible flow, materiality, intangibility, human capital, embeddedness and performativity.
• Subjects: A - General Economics and Teaching > A1 - General Economics > A12 - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines; B - History of Economic Thought, Methodology, and Heterodox Approaches > B4 - Economic Methodology; A - General Economics and Teaching > A1 - General Economics > A14 - Sociology of Economics

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