経済理論で数学を用いることについて
Before we begin to develop the theory itself, we ought to say a word to new readers about the role mathematics will play in this text. Often, you will notice we make certain assumptions purely for the sake of mathematical expediency. The justification for proceeding this way is simple, and it is the same in every other branch of science. These abstractions from 'reality' allow us to bring to bear powerful mathematical methods that, by the rigour of the logical discipline they impose, help extend our insights into areas beyond the reach of our intuition and experience. In the physical world, there is 'no such thing' as a frictionless plane or a perfect vacuum. In economics, as in physics, allowing ourselves to accept assumptions like these frees us to focus on more important aspects of the problem and thereby helps to establish benchmarks in theory against which to gauge experience and observation in the real world. This does not mean that you must wholeheartedly embrace every 'unrealistic' or purely formal aspect of the theory. Far from it. It is always worthwhile to cast a critical eye on these matters as they arise and to ask yourself what is gained, and what is sacrificed, by the abstraction at hand. Thought and insight on these points are the stuff of which advances in theory and knowledge are made. From here on, however, we will take the theory as it is and seek to understand it on its own terms, leaving much of its critical appraisal to your moments away from this book.