A new approach to the theory of international trade

Seen from a methodological point of view, the practice of economic science includes critical and theoretical thinking. The specific nature of these fields of study, their limitations and mutual adjustment have been covered by us l elsewhere. It became apparent that critical thinking aims at reaching a logical data description, simplifying social economic reality. Based on these data, it is the task of theory to discover logical laws in economic activity, if this is realized in a rational manner - and this is naturally a theoretical­ analytical condition. Economic science according to this structure can be seen in the diagram below. A more extensive summary is provided in the synopsis of 'valuation of economic science', at the end of this study. 1. appraisal of economic reality; 2. a logical consistent description of data as a basis to theory; 3. formulation of tendencies in economic process. A science pursued with this objective may fall short in two ways. In the first instance, it is possible that the critical thinking is too far divorced from reality. The data from which in this instance conclusions are made, are un­ realistic; they are probably too idealistic. In this way a basis is laid for the 1. See our study Waardering van het economisch denken. More particular Chapter IV. 2 INTRODUCTION futile formulation of laws in a presupposed economic process, because the conclusions of science are very far from reality.