the definition of economics[2] the scope of economics as defined by its methods[3] fundamental principles and operational significance of economic theory[4] methodological individualism versus holism in economics[5] the role of simplifying assumptions such as rational choice and profit maximizing in explaining or predicting phenomena[6] descriptive/positive, prescriptive/normative, and applied[7] uses of theory[8] the scientific status[9] and expanding domain of economics[10] issues critical to the practice and progress of econometrics[11] the balance of empirical and philosophical approaches[12] the role of experiments in economics[13] the role of mathematics and mathematical economics in economics[14] the writing[15] and rhetoric of economics[16] the relation between theory, observation, application, and methodology in contemporary economics.[17]