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> how could there truly ever be a "science" of it?

There isn't. There's a practice and set of local "crafts pertaining to". That's why it's econom(ics). [-ikos, -ique]

Like electronics, acoustics, politics...

As opposed to being econom(ology), a more systematic science [-logy (logos)] being a branch of knowledge.

Even hardcore economists aren't keen to raise it to the level of a "science".



A for effort, but I'm going to have to go with a C- on actual etymology. Unless mathematics and physics aren't considered branches of knowledge.

-ic/ics mostly just means "pertaining to" (minus the craft bit) and like all things in the English language, is never a hard and fast rule.


I'll concede physics, and settle for the C grade for my Etymonics. But unless you're arguing for the possibility of rigorous economics (I hope not) the spirit of my point is the fault-line between praxis and what is broadly universalisable.

Is "political science" real? (I personally think there's a case), but why did that have to arise besides politics? I studied electronics and am happy to report, compared to its foundation in physics, it's an ever changing craft of black magic and tricks you can do with silicon and electrons. Need proof? Where is the craft of thermionics today?

As for economics, I don't really know. Some days I have hope in its use. Other days I think its very conceit is the root cause of much it sets out to solve.




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