Subjectivism and Economic Analysis: Essays in memory of Ludwig ...

5SUBJECTIVISM ANDIDEAL TYPESLachmann and the methodologicallegacy of Max WeberLásló CsontosIntroductionThe following essay is based on the conviction that a betterunderstanding of Ludwig Lachmann’s and Max Weber’smethodological views is vital for a proper interpretation of themethodological groundwork of the social sciences. Two key elementsin Max Weber’s much debated and multifarious methodologicallegacy are the subjectivism of the method of understanding and thenotion of ideal types. In what follows, I want to contrast and comparewhat I believe to be Weber’s authentic methodological position onthese issues with Lachmann’s ideas about the subjectivism of thesocial sciences and his critique of Weber’s concept of ideal types.SubjectivismLachmann considered himself an advocate of subjectivism in thecentral area of economic theory. ‘Subjectivism’ and ‘subjectivistmethodology’ are phrases with many meanings, however. They arenot very helpful when it comes to identifying and describing aparticular methodological tradition. There is a thick conceptualunderbrush surrounding the very idea of subjectivism in thephilosophy of science that should be removed before we embarkupon clarifying Lachmann’s methodological position. As a result,instead of maintaining that his methodological attitude exemplifies80