International Confederation of Associations for Pluralism in Economics (ICAPE)
About ICAPE
Founded in 1993, ICAPE is a consortium of over 30 groups in economics working
cooperatively to maintain diversity and innovation in methods, approaches,
policy analyses, and higher education in the profession. This network of groups
seeks to foster intellectual pluralism and a sense of collective purpose and
strength among these heterodox organizations.
ICAPE's statement of purpose
ICAPE is dedicated to the idea that pluralism and intellectual progress are
complements. This is not to say “anything goes,” but that each tradition of
thought (Austrian, feminist, old and new institutionalist, Marxian,
neoclassical, Post Keynesian, social economics, Sraffian, etc.) adds something
unique and valuable to economic scholarship. Achieving productive discussion
and debate across schools of economic thought is not a simple matter. There are
many institutional and practical obstacles to pluralism. It is precisely by
helping to remove those obstacles that ICAPE hopes to render a service to the
community of economists throughout the world.
In 1993, our founders outlined 4 goals for ICAPE:
1) to publicize and help develop a multiplicity of approaches to the scientific
analysis of economic activity;
2) to promote a new spirit of pluralism in economics, involving critical
conversation and tolerant communication among different approaches, within and
across the barriers between the disciplines;
3) to campaign for greater pluralism in the range of contributions to economics
journals and in the training and hiring of economists; and,
4) to coordinate the activities of economists and economic associations who
share one or more of the above aims.
Though the particular means used may vary over time, ICAPE’s activities are
always inspired by these aims.
Please take time to explore the links at left to learn more about ICAPE and its
activities.