In investigating questions of plurality in economic theory, [Michael C. Daley](https://www.une.edu/people/michael-c-daley) wrote a [doctoral dissertation at the University of New Hampshire in 2000](https://scholars.unh.edu/dissertation/2118).
Daley says he's not a professioal philosopher. Root Metaphor Theory was applied to economics.
> Based on Pepper's root-metaphor theory, this research shows how four major theoretical perspectives or 'schools of thought' in economics correspond with the four adequate world hypothesis. > * Formism is associated with critical realism, which, in turn, is considered by some to be consistent wth post-Keynesian economics. > * Mechanism Is associated with neoclassical economics. > * Contextualism is associated with "old’ institutional economics. > * Organicism is associated with Marxian economics. > As a result, Pepper's metaphilosophical system provides a possible philosophical and pluralist account for the origins of the four major 'schools of thought' often cited in the economic literature [p. xii, editorial paragraphing added]
Daley's summary provides at some triangulation on interpretation of World Hypotheses: A Study in Evidence (1942).
2000_UNH_Daley_Table_4.html
> Since Pepper's work in _World Hypotheses: A Study of Evidence_ has largely been overlooked by the mainstream in philosophy of science, and even more so by the practitioners in economic methodology, I thought it worthwhile to summarize various attributes of the four adequate world hypotheses he identified. > * Table 4 presents a brief summary of key attributes of each world hypothesis identified in my reading of Pepper. > A trained philosopher may well to able to identify additional considerations. > * However, given that Pepper is unknown to most economists md methodologists, the purpose of this summary is primarily to assist in any future research that might draw upon the metalevel analysis developed by Pepper, > * Furthermore, it serves as a reminder on one level, that Pepper's work to taxonomic in nature. > Pepper uses his formist skills to identify four 'discrete forms' -- out of the morass of philosophical systems a metalevel taxonomy -- that may to be instructive to methodologists and highly valuable in the ongoing discussion of pluralism, > In addition, it serves as a reference table for keeping in mind a rather complex set of attributes that define the unique and distinct nature of each world hypothesis. [p. 134, editorial paragraphing added]