Plurality to pluralism in economics pedagogy: the role of critical thinking

The current financial crisis has prompted a widespread critique of existing conventional economics and deep dissatisfaction with varying aspects regarding the economics profession including teaching techniques. A reform of teaching practices within economics needs to be pre-requisited on intellectual diversity and a curriculum that is characterised by both plurality and reflexive, critical skills. As an orientation, pluralism is essential for becoming a critical and reflexive thinker. This paper argues that although plurality can be perceived as a first step in achieving pluralism in economics, economists – both mainstream and heterodox – need to go beyond a plurality of perspectives in order to concentrate on developing critical and reflexive skills amongst their students.