Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen. From Cause – Effect and Arithmomorphism to Dialectics

Although exceptionally endowed for mathematics which he comprehended and used extensively, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen has considered that the dialectical method is more suitable than arithmomorphism for social sciences and especially for economics. In order to support this idea, this paper brings forth the following arguments: the huge complexity of economic life, the close connections between economic, social, cultural, political, and psychological factors, economics permeated by history, etc. All this requires the use of dialectics and empathy rather than mathematics. Yet, Roegen accepts the arithmomorphic model but strictly as a tool and only accompanied by dialectical argumentation which is the only one to highlight change, quality, and novelty.