The Contribution of the Sociology of Quantification to a Discussion of Objectivity in Economics

Laura Centemeri (1)

1 LAMES - Laboratoire méditerranéen de sociologie

In this chapter I analyse objectivity in economics from the perspective of the sociology of quantification as the result of 'investments in forms' supporting public action and the public discussion concerning collective ends and means to be pursued. Quantification is guaranteed by 'conventions of quantification' that are the outcome of controversies about the good, or convenient, way to evaluate persons and things, according to desirable social goals aimed at. The current emphasis on quantified objectives to evaluate public action urges social scientists openly to discuss, instead of concealing or denouncing, the agreed upon realism of quantified objects.

Domaines: Sociologie

Laura Centemeri. The Contribution of the Sociology of Quantification to a Discussion of Objectivity in Economics. Facts and Values in Economics, Routledge, pp.110-125, 2012. ⟨hal-01016061⟩