This ambitious book looks 'behind the model' to reveal how economists use formal models to generate insights into the economy. Drawing on recent work in the philosophy of science and economic methodology, the book presents a novel framework for understanding the logic of economic modeling. It also reveals the ways in which economic models can mislead rather than illuminate. Importantly, the book goes beyond purely negative critique, proposing a concrete program of methodological reform to better equip economists to detect potential mismatches between their models and the targets of their inquiry. Ranging across economics, philosophy, and social science methods, and drawing on a variety of examples, including the recent financial crisis, Behind the Model will be of interest to anyone who has wondered how economics works - and why it sometimes fails so spectacularly.

'The 2007–9 global financial crisis and Great Recession demonstrated that the most prestigious economic models were incapable of recognizing, much less preventing, the debacle. How could this be possible? Peter Spiegler’s critique of mainstream mathematical modeling methodology delivers a compelling explanation. More important still, Spiegler advances alternative theoretical and empirical methodologies that are capable of reframing economics as a viable scientific endeavor. Behind the Model is a deeply insightful work that should force all open-minded economists to rethink their most basic presuppositions and practices.'

Robert Pollin - Distinguished Professor of Economics and Co-Director, Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts, Amherst

'This book takes us quickly beyond all the standard criticisms of the use of mathematical formalism in economics to broader questions of how mathematical and verbal argumentation connect to our understanding of the real world. Behind the Model is the most sophisticated discussion of the role of mathematical formalism in economics in decades, and its influence will be long lasting.'

William Milberg - Dean and Professor of Economics, The New School for Social Research