‘Emerging contrary result’ phenomenon and scientific realism

Mariusz Maziarz

Abstract

The article is aimed at reconsidering the question if the project of econometrics can be read in line with scientific realism. Previously, the methodological literature focused onthephilosophy of econometrics, voices criticizing realist interpretations of econometricswere raised. The criticism was aimed at showing that econometric models lack robustness. The use of slightly different methods leadsto obtaining different and often contrary models what supposedly undermine the project of econometrics.In this article, I aim at offering a new argument in defence of the current practice of the economists devoted to the empirical branch of macroeconomics. To do so, I apply Mäki’s (2009)model of representationto threecase studiesof contradictory pairs of econometric models and argue that contrary results are not necessarily a drawback of econometrics. Instead, the seemingly contradictorypairs of modelsare useful in various contexts constituted by their purpose and audience.