Debating the future of heterodox economics

This essay is a reply to five reviews (by Lynne Chester, David Dequech, John Henry, Marc Lavoie, and Jason Potts) of Is there a Future for Heterodox Economics? (by Geoffrey Hodgson). It welcomes the debate that has emerged on the nature and future of heterodox economics. The essay revisits the problem of defining heterodox (and orthodox) economics. The relationships between orthodox and heterodox economics and political ideology are discussed, especially in relation to different normative views on markets. The essay also points to the need for understanding how scientific disciplines are organized, particularly to inform discussions of strategy by heterodox economists.