Pluralism, economic rhetoric, and common property

This paper presents a preliminary discussion of different ideological tradi tions of economic thought. The philosophical foundations and methodological implications of neoclassical, institutional, and neo-Marxist political eco nomy are discussed by building upon the "system of systems methodologies" a s a starting "modelling space". Drawing upon postmodern discourses, this ty pology is used as a rhetorical tool to assist with clear exposition. Two ge neral applications are discussed, firstly a conceptual application to some contemporary perspectives of common property, and secondly a practical appl ication to questions of investment in stormwater and wastewater. It is conc luded that previously unrecognised common ground can emerge From attempts t o communicate across traditional organisational and ideological divides.