Neoclassical economists deliberately framed economics as an exact science to gain authority.

Evidence

The new theoretical paradigm of “pure economics” was not yet dominant, especially in Italy, where the economic tradition was historical rather than mathematical. De’ Stefani and Ricci hailed Pantaleoni as “an Archangel with a flaming sword” who was fighting against all other schools of economic thought to spread a “theoretical part of economic science, a nucleus of doctrines, that are independent of opinions, as well as of ethical, political and religious predilections. Something akin to physics and mathematics… an exact science definable as ‘pure economics.’ ” The success of this mental straitjacket depended on its ability to appear impartial, which guaranteed the economist undisputed authority. — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 209

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the reader’s theme of ‘the invisible order’ — capitalism presented as natural fact via scientific authority. — connects to: 1960s conservative economists cultivated an aura of impartial oracular authority. — Quinn Slobodian, Globalists: The End of Empire and the…, 539; Economists’ talk of public good actually means protection of their own professional interests. — Philip Mirowski, Never Let a Serious Crisis Go to Waste, 608; Economics functions as both scientific method and vehicle for ruling ideology. — Dieter Plehwe, Quinn Slobodian & Philip Mirowski (eds.), Nine Lives of Neoliberalism, 607 (+1 more)