Public policy and the state: bridging the history and philosophy of recent economics

Historians of economics working on topics directly related to public policy are increasingly dealing with institutions, practices, and instruments that involve complex philosophical questions regarding notions of objectivity, human values, diversity, gender, tractability, democracy, etc. These are topics where the philosophy of economics has advanced greatly in the last couple of decades, but these results have only partially permeated historical research. Similarly, while historical work has been useful in informing philosophical inquiry, a large number of historical episodes and evidence remain unknown to philosophers of economics. The many common questions and challenges involved in studying the analysis and implementation of public policy suggest that an increased communication between historians and philosophers of economics could produce new and valuable insights on these topics. Furthermore, we believe this intellectual exchange can lead to useful and appealing commentary on important contemporary policy debates, and contribute to raising the visibility of both the history and the philosophy of economics. 

This workshop aims at fostering this conversation between both communities. We invite applications from young scholars working on public-policy-related topics from a historical or a philosophical perspective who are interested in learning from the recent work of scholars in the other community. We are particularly interested in scholars working on topics such as, but not limited to:

– Democratic oversight of public policy.

– The role of indicators, models, and other instruments in public policy analysis.

– Representativity and democratic values in public policy.

– Notions of expertise and objectivity in public policy. 

– Public policy interventions and unintended consequences.

– Conflicts of interest and funding in public policy.

The workshop is organized by the YSI – History of Economic Thought Work Group, the Latin American Society for the History of Economic Thought (ALAHPE), the International Network for Economic Method (INEM), and will take place at UNAM’s Colegio de Estudios Latinoamericanos on 25 November, 2025. The deadline to apply is 28 February, 2025. Applicants will receive a response by the end of March at the latest. Accommodation for the workshop and the ALAHPE conference (26-28 Nov.) will be provided free of charge, and funding to cover the transportation costs of participants will also be available on a case by-case-basis—depending on the country of residence

To apply to the workshop please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iQqUeywNyUkEvCgGA. Note that applying to the workshop and applying to the conference are separate procedures.

If you have doubts or questions of any kind please email the workshop organizers.