The aim of this course is to introduce students to the main topics of economic methodology, linking philosophical issues with practical problems that economists face in the confrontation of models with data. The course focuses on forms of explanation in economics; foundational issues of probability, statistical and causal inference; the role of models and their appraisal; issues in decision theory and the methodology of experimental economics

Attending this course, students will strengthen their ability to critically evaluate the scientific contribution of diverse economic research and to develop a clear scientific argument in economics. They will also learn how to better work with economic data and use the diverse empirical methods and modeling approaches with a clear understanding of their limits and possibilities.