Ontology of Economics - Revision history

Phismith: /* Documents Acts, Creativity, and Entrepreneurial Perception */

2025-12-21T20:11:06Z

Documents Acts, Creativity, and Entrepreneurial Perception

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	[https://buffalo.app.box.com/v/Ontology-of-Economics-9-video AI Creativity and Entrepreneurial Perception] [https://buffalo.box.com/v/Ontology-of-Creativity Slides]		[https://buffalo.app.box.com/v/Ontology-of-Economics-9-video AI Creativity and Entrepreneurial Perception] [https://buffalo.box.com/v/Ontology-of-Creativity Slides]

			==Student Presentations (2025)==

			Brandon Long, "Planned Economy One Floor Down"
			:[https://youtu.be/7HNwoUSSgF4 Video]
			:[https://buffalo.box.com/v/Brandon-Long-Slides Slides]

	== '''Student Learning Outcomes''' ==		== '''Student Learning Outcomes''' ==

Phismith: /* Grading */

2025-10-13T21:22:59Z

Grading

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	=='''Grading'''==		=='''Grading'''==

	Grading will be based on preparation of an essay of minumum 2000 words. (A second 3,000 essay is required for the 3 credit hour version of this course.) Content and structure of the essay should be discussed with Dr Smith. The essay should be submitted by in a series of drafts. In addition the student will prepare a presentation on the content of this essay, which will be presented in the final class meeting and subject to critique from faculty and other students. Use of GenAi tools will be welcomed, but the student should make clear where and how such tools were used, and identify which specific theses are original.		Grading will be based on preparation of an essay of minumum 2000 words. (A second 3,000 essay is required for the 3 credit hour version of this course.) Drafts of your essay or essays should be submitted to Dr Smith by November 1 or April 20, for those taking the class in the Fall or Spring Semester, respectively. Content and structure of the essay should be discussed with Dr Smith. The essay should be submitted by in a series of drafts. In addition the student will prepare a presentation on the content of this essay, which will be presented in the final class meeting and subject to critique from faculty and other students. Use of GenAi tools will be welcomed, but the student should make clear where and how such tools were used, and identify which specific theses are original.

	=='''Using LLMs in writing your essay'''==		=='''Using LLMs in writing your essay'''==

Phismith at 21:15, 13 October 2025

2025-10-13T21:15:28Z

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	'''Course Description'''		'''Course Description'''

	This course is a two-credit hour seminar, taught in online asynchronous mode, with one synchronous meeting in the final session. Students intending to take this course should contact Dr Smith at phismith@buffalo.edu. To obtain three credit hours students can submit an additional 3000 word essay. Dr Smith. Students with no background in philosophy are recommended to take the 1-credit-hour asynchronous course described [https://ncorwiki.buffalo.edu/index.php/Introduction_to_Philosophy_from_an_Ontological_Perspective here].		This course is a two-credit hour seminar, taught in online asynchronous mode, with one synchronous meeting in the final session. Students intending to take this course should contact Dr Smith at phismith@buffalo.edu. To obtain three credit hours students can submit an additional 3000 word essay to Dr Smith. Students with no background in philosophy are recommended to take the 1-credit-hour asynchronous course described [https://ncorwiki.buffalo.edu/index.php/Introduction_to_Philosophy_from_an_Ontological_Perspective here].

	The goal of the course is to give the students conceptual tools to understand and evaluate critically the philosophical assumptions of different schools of thought in economics. Debates between different approaches in economics may be viewed in part as ontological debates as to the nature of social entities such as prices, markets, economic actors. Hence, the course aims at introducing the core categories that determine the world of economics and exploring how different interpretations of these categories can support different economic claims and systems.		The goal of the course is to give the students conceptual tools to understand and evaluate critically the philosophical assumptions of different schools of thought in economics. Debates between different approaches in economics may be viewed in part as ontological debates as to the nature of social entities such as prices, markets, economic actors. Hence, the course aims at introducing the core categories that determine the world of economics and exploring how different interpretations of these categories can support different economic claims and systems.

Phismith: /* Market Equilibrium and Critical Perspectives */

2025-09-16T00:25:18Z

Market Equilibrium and Critical Perspectives

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:25, 16 September 2025
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	This class introduces classical and neoclassical economics. We will present the main proposals has advanced by the latter to overcome some core tenets of classical economics. This will include reflection on the assumptions of neoclassical economics, such as economic rationality, general equilibrium, and the invisible hand. We will then explore their deeper philosophical implications by comparing them with notions of social ontology. Different perspectives that try to move away from classical economics are presented, with a major focus on schools of economic though that have critized the core notion of economic equilibrium.		This class introduces classical and neoclassical economics. We will present the main proposals has advanced by the latter to overcome some core tenets of classical economics. This will include reflection on the assumptions of neoclassical economics, such as economic rationality, general equilibrium, and the invisible hand. We will then explore their deeper philosophical implications by comparing them with notions of social ontology. Different perspectives that try to move away from classical economics are presented, with a major focus on schools of economic though that have critized the core notion of economic equilibrium.

	[https://buffalo~~.app~~.box.com/~~file~~/~~1667705488798~~ Slides]		[https://buffalo.box.com/v/Ontology-of-Economics-3-Slides Slides]

	[https://buffalo.box.com/v/Ontology-of-economics-3 Video]		[https://buffalo.box.com/v/Ontology-of-economics-3 Video]

Phismith: /* Market Equilibrium and Critical Perspectives */

2025-09-16T00:20:55Z

Market Equilibrium and Critical Perspectives

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:20, 16 September 2025
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	This class introduces classical and neoclassical economics. We will present the main proposals has advanced by the latter to overcome some core tenets of classical economics. This will include reflection on the assumptions of neoclassical economics, such as economic rationality, general equilibrium, and the invisible hand. We will then explore their deeper philosophical implications by comparing them with notions of social ontology. Different perspectives that try to move away from classical economics are presented, with a major focus on schools of economic though that have critized the core notion of economic equilibrium.		This class introduces classical and neoclassical economics. We will present the main proposals has advanced by the latter to overcome some core tenets of classical economics. This will include reflection on the assumptions of neoclassical economics, such as economic rationality, general equilibrium, and the invisible hand. We will then explore their deeper philosophical implications by comparing them with notions of social ontology. Different perspectives that try to move away from classical economics are presented, with a major focus on schools of economic though that have critized the core notion of economic equilibrium.

	[https://buffalo.box.com/s/~~opmoln0sm2p2kpc02rb2rcffuy3iy3yt~~ Slides]		[https://buffalo.app.box.com/file/1667705488798 Slides]

	[https://buffalo.box.com/v/Ontology-of-economics-3 Video]		[https://buffalo.box.com/v/Ontology-of-economics-3 Video]

Phismith: /* Market Equilibrium and Critical Perspectives */

2025-09-16T00:11:47Z

Market Equilibrium and Critical Perspectives

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:11, 16 September 2025
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	[https://buffalo.box.com/s/opmoln0sm2p2kpc02rb2rcffuy3iy3yt Slides]		[https://buffalo.box.com/s/opmoln0sm2p2kpc02rb2rcffuy3iy3yt Slides]

	[https://buffalo.box.com/s/~~6ayawb5qfs4qyowj6xjinmrtdwhmsbje~~ Video]		[https://buffalo.box.com/v/Ontology-of-economics-3 Video]

	[http://fmwww.bc.edu/cef99/papers/somefun.pdf Paper Mirowski & Somefun]		[http://fmwww.bc.edu/cef99/papers/somefun.pdf Paper Mirowski & Somefun]

Phismith: /* Using LLMs in writing your essay */

2025-09-06T17:32:12Z

Using LLMs in writing your essay

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	6. When finished press 'save' for one last time and take a note of the link; send me (a) this link, (b) your completed essay, (c) any notes on the log to which the link will point -- for example requesting that I ignore specific chains of prompts because they proved to be dead ends		6. When finished press 'save' for one last time and take a note of the link; send me (a) this link, (b) your completed essay, (c) any notes on the log to which the link will point -- for example requesting that I ignore specific chains of prompts because they proved to be dead ends

	7. at the end of the process you should send the link resulting from your final save to me, along with your essay.		7. at the end of the process you should send the link resulting from your final save to me, along with your essay. At the end of the process you should send, with to me your essay, which should include the link resulting from your final ‘save’. In addition you should send me a saved version of what comes up at that link in word or pdf. You can redact those portions of the latter you do not want me to see.

	Grades will be determined on the basis of (a) originality of the initial draft, (b) creativity of your prompts, (c) quality of final essay,		Grades will be determined on the basis of (a) originality of the initial draft, (b) creativity of your prompts, (c) quality of final essay,

Phismith: /* Using LLMs in writing your essay */

2025-09-06T17:29:32Z

Using LLMs in writing your essay

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	4. the '''official phase''' (from here on everything will be logged by the LLM): you create a prompt using your draft as an attachment (as in step 3.); this will start a potentially long process of improvements in your essay created by further contributions from you but with assistance from the LLM whose outputs, sometimes in the form of new or extended versions of your essay, which are generated on the basis of successive prompts on your part; you should note that LLMs have a characteristic style (sometimes called 'Hollyood style', which means: it aims only to please, and too often shuns difficult questions); you should attempt with your prompts to manipulate the style of the LLM output in a direction more appropriate to serious academic research; '''still more importantly''' you should be aware that LLMs often make errors (called 'hallucinations'), for example inventing references in the literature which do not in fact exist; you will receive a higher grade if you identify such errors and thereby request in your prompts that the LLM corrects them;		4. the '''official phase''' (from here on everything will be logged by the LLM): you create a prompt using your draft as an attachment (as in step 3.); this will start a potentially long process of improvements in your essay created by further contributions from you but with assistance from the LLM whose outputs, sometimes in the form of new or extended versions of your essay, which are generated on the basis of successive prompts on your part; you should note that LLMs have a characteristic style (sometimes called 'Hollyood style', which means: it aims only to please, and too often shuns difficult questions); you should attempt with your prompts to manipulate the style of the LLM output in a direction more appropriate to serious academic research; '''still more importantly''' you should be aware that LLMs often make errors (called 'hallucinations'), for example inventing references in the literature which do not in fact exist; you will receive a higher grade if you identify such errors and thereby request in your prompts that the LLM corrects them;

	5. the LLM will keep track of everything you tell it to do with your essay; this is because at each stage you have the opportunity to save your work thus far -- including all your prompts -- by using the LLM 'save' function. Use this function regularly to log your progress. This log is part of your grade. The link will stay the same throughout, but it will refer to a growing body of the content you have created along the way.		5. the LLM will keep track of everything you tell it to do with your essay; this is because at each stage you have the opportunity to save your work thus far -- including all your prompts -- by using the LLM 'save' function. Use this function regularly to log your progress. This log is part of what will be evaluated for your grade. The link will stay the same throughout, but it will refer to a growing body of the content you have created along the way.

	6. When finished press 'save' for one last time and take a note of the link; send me (a) this link, (b) your completed essay, (c) any notes on the log to which the link will point -- for example requesting that I ignore specific chains of prompts because they proved to be dead ends		6. When finished press 'save' for one last time and take a note of the link; send me (a) this link, (b) your completed essay, (c) any notes on the log to which the link will point -- for example requesting that I ignore specific chains of prompts because they proved to be dead ends

Phismith: /* Using LLMs in writing your essay */

2025-09-06T17:25:36Z

Using LLMs in writing your essay

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:25, 6 September 2025
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	2. submit this draft to me at phismith@buffalo.edu by the middle of the semester		2. submit this draft to me at phismith@buffalo.edu by the middle of the semester

	3. the '''experimental phase''' (LLM experts can ignore this phase): once you have my approval of your 1000 word draft, you should start experimenting with favored LLM using this draft as an attachment and formulating prompts relating to its contents; you should experiment heavily using different sorts of prompts, the more creative the better (since the prompts you use in the next phase will be evaluated for your grade); when you are ready to start the interactions with the LLM which are relevant to your grade you move to:		3. the '''experimental phase''' (LLM experts can ignore this phase): once you have my approval of your 1000 word draft, you should start experimenting with your favored LLM using this draft as an attachment and formulating prompts relating to its contents; you should experiment heavily using different sorts of prompts, the more creative the better (since the prompts you use in the next phase will be evaluated for your grade); when you are ready to start the interactions with the LLM which are relevant to your grade you move to:

	4. the '''official phase''' (from here on everything will be logged by the LLM): you create a prompt using your draft as an attachment (as in step 3.); this will start a potentially long process of improvements in your essay created by further contributions from you but with assistance from the LLM whose outputs, sometimes in the form of new or extended versions of your essay, which are generated on the basis of successive prompts on your part; you should note that LLMs have a characteristic style (sometimes called 'Hollyood style', which means: it aims only to please, and too often shuns difficult questions); you should attempt with your prompts to manipulate the style of the LLM output in a direction more appropriate to serious academic research; '''still more importantly''' you should be aware that LLMs often make errors (called 'hallucinations'), for example inventing references in the literature which do not in fact exist; you will receive a higher grade if you identify such errors and thereby request in your prompts that the LLM corrects them;		4. the '''official phase''' (from here on everything will be logged by the LLM): you create a prompt using your draft as an attachment (as in step 3.); this will start a potentially long process of improvements in your essay created by further contributions from you but with assistance from the LLM whose outputs, sometimes in the form of new or extended versions of your essay, which are generated on the basis of successive prompts on your part; you should note that LLMs have a characteristic style (sometimes called 'Hollyood style', which means: it aims only to please, and too often shuns difficult questions); you should attempt with your prompts to manipulate the style of the LLM output in a direction more appropriate to serious academic research; '''still more importantly''' you should be aware that LLMs often make errors (called 'hallucinations'), for example inventing references in the literature which do not in fact exist; you will receive a higher grade if you identify such errors and thereby request in your prompts that the LLM corrects them;

Phismith: /* Using LLMs in writing your essay */

2025-09-06T17:20:01Z

Using LLMs in writing your essay

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 6 September 2025
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	3. the '''experimental phase''' (LLM experts can ignore this phase): once you have my approval of your 1000 word draft, you should start experimenting with favored LLM using this draft as an attachment and formulating prompts relating to its contents; you should experiment heavily using different sorts of prompts, the more creative the better (since the prompts you use in the next phase will be evaluated for your grade); when you are ready to start the interactions with the LLM which are relevant to your grade you move to:		3. the '''experimental phase''' (LLM experts can ignore this phase): once you have my approval of your 1000 word draft, you should start experimenting with favored LLM using this draft as an attachment and formulating prompts relating to its contents; you should experiment heavily using different sorts of prompts, the more creative the better (since the prompts you use in the next phase will be evaluated for your grade); when you are ready to start the interactions with the LLM which are relevant to your grade you move to:

	4. the '''official phase''' (from here on everything will be logged by the LLM): you create a prompt using your draft as an attachment (as in step 3.); this will start a potentially long process of improvements in your essay created by further contributions from you but with assistance from the LLM whose outputs, sometimes in the form of new or extended versions of your essay, which are generated on the basis of successive prompts on your part; you should note that LLMs have a characteristic style (sometimes called '~~Holluyood~~ style', which means: it aims only to please, and too often shuns difficult questions); you should attempt with your prompts to manipulate the style of the LLM output in a direction more appropriate to serious academic research; '''still more importantly''' you should be aware that LLMs often make errors (called 'hallucinations'), for example inventing references in the literature which do not in fact exist; you will receive a higher grade if you identify such errors and thereby request in your prompts that the LLM corrects them;		4. the '''official phase''' (from here on everything will be logged by the LLM): you create a prompt using your draft as an attachment (as in step 3.); this will start a potentially long process of improvements in your essay created by further contributions from you but with assistance from the LLM whose outputs, sometimes in the form of new or extended versions of your essay, which are generated on the basis of successive prompts on your part; you should note that LLMs have a characteristic style (sometimes called 'Hollyood style', which means: it aims only to please, and too often shuns difficult questions); you should attempt with your prompts to manipulate the style of the LLM output in a direction more appropriate to serious academic research; '''still more importantly''' you should be aware that LLMs often make errors (called 'hallucinations'), for example inventing references in the literature which do not in fact exist; you will receive a higher grade if you identify such errors and thereby request in your prompts that the LLM corrects them;

	5. the LLM will keep track of everything you tell it to do with your essay; this is because at each stage you have the opportunity to save your work thus far -- including all your prompts -- by using the LLM 'save' function. Use this function regularly to log your progress. This log is part of your grade. The link will stay the same throughout, but it will refer to a growing body of the content you have created along the way.		5. the LLM will keep track of everything you tell it to do with your essay; this is because at each stage you have the opportunity to save your work thus far -- including all your prompts -- by using the LLM 'save' function. Use this function regularly to log your progress. This log is part of your grade. The link will stay the same throughout, but it will refer to a growing body of the content you have created along the way.