Ideal Type
An Ideal Type is a specific notion of understanding.[1] They are constructed by the nonhistorical branches of science. They are used by Max Weber and Ludwig von Mises as explanatory and analytical devices. For example, an "entrepreneur" is an ideal type or even Plato's "philosopher kings". Functional distribution makes use of ideal types to explain the workings of the market economy.
References
- ↑ Ludwig von Mises. II. Epistemological Problems of Human Action, 9. Ideal Types, Human Action, online version, referenced 2011-02-06.