Lawrence Boland takes issue with both economic methodologists and practicing economists. He argues that there has been too much "methodology for methodology's sake" and that mainstream economics might benefit by using methodology to take a critical look at economic theory. Containing twenty essays, the book discusses Friedman's essay on methodology, the role of the maximization in neoclassical theory, the limitation of traditional economic methodology, the possibilities for more fruitful criticisms, and Karl Popper's theory of science. Throughout, the essays emphasize the positive role of criticism as a central part of intellectual activity.