摘要：Objective: This article shall analyze the processes of theory choice, i.e., what causes a theory to be incorporated into themainstream, or ‘canon, of its discipline’. Such a process is important, as it signals the direction that resources for researchshould take. The traditional view presupposes a process akin to the market, in which the most competent theories are“chosen” by the scientific community, the Republic of Science, to become part of the mainstream in the discipline. Method:This article uses the methods of bibliographical analysis of the main articles and books on the subject. Result: A majorityof the theory choice literature agrees that there are innumerous market failures in the process of theory choice, and thatthe formation of a canon is a process that can lead to the hardening of the structure of scientific production. Other factors,such as academic insider politics, may also be considered. Conclusions: Avoiding this hardening of structure whilepromoting an established canon is a difficult process and demands balance, even if even if scientific progress happensindependent of these factors. The idea of interested pluralism can be a way to avoid this problem.
关键词：metodologia;escolha de teorias;economia mainstream;economia ortodoxa;economia heterodoxa
