ABSTRACT

This paper introduces and uses Lakatos’ idea of research programmes to summarise and critically evaluate academic discourse towards knowledge capital theory. The analysis uses rational reconstruction to formulate the components of the hardcore and protective belt of knowledge capital theory. By critically surveying the literature, it challenges the validity of the claims made by Erik Hanushek, Ludger Woessmann and the OECD that there is a causal link between cognitive development and economic growth. It concludes by stating that knowledge capital theory in its current form is degenerate and should be considered a high-risk research programme and that more sophisticated theories are required to be developed to explain current phenomena.

摘要

本文介绍并运用拉卡托斯的研究计划理念，对知识资本理论的学术话语进行总结和批判性评价。分析运用理性重构来制定知识资本理论核心和保护带的组成部分。通过批判性地调查文献，它挑战了 Erik Hanushek、Ludger Woessmann 和经合组织关于认知发展与经济增长之间存在因果关系的说法的有效性。它的结论是，当前形式的知识资本理论是退化的，应被视为高风险的研究项目，需要开发更复杂的理论来解释当前的现象。