How Can Economic Theory Benefit from the Studies of Its History?

The article takes up the issue of the low weight that is attributed to the history of economic thought in economic research. The authors aim at substantiating the thesis that the enquiry into the paths of development of economics in the past has great relevance for the contemporary thinking on economic theory and the results of investigative work of researchers. They attempt to prove that the orientation in the history of economic thought albeit not indispensable for the mastering of modern economics or its research toolbox, might greatly help economists' cognizance and skills in their endeavors to follow and understand contemporary phenomena, irrespective of their particular fields of interest. Comments and considerations concerning the attitudes of historians of economic thought toward the contemporary situation conclude the article.