Abstract

An attempt is made to differentiate neoclassical theory from a synthesis of
post-keynesianism and neo-ricardianism, called here post-classical theory. The neoclassical
research program relies on four essentials: instrumentalism, individualism, exchange, and
unbounded rationality. The post-classical program (which also includes institutionalists and
radicals) relies on the opposite essentials: realism, organicism, production, and procedural
rationality. Monetary theory is given as a case example of these dichotomies. It is shown that
post-Keynesians and neo-Ricardians have convergent views on the endogeneity of money
and the conventional character of interest rates.

JEL Classification: B41; B24.