Around the question of the so-called ‘ideological’ element in economic theory (as of social theory in general) there has been in recent times increasing debate. In entering this debate at this stage it would be tedious to start by embarking on a genealogy and a quest for unique and precise definition of the term. On this let it suffice for the moment to say that, while the concept bears a close relationship to the Hegelian ‘false consciousness’ that serves to obstruct man's vision of himself and of his conditions of existence, it is not to be taken as synonymous therewith, still less as referring exclusively to the delusive element in thought (as some have indeed used it). Its central reference, undoubtedly, is to the historically-relative character of ideas, whether this be regarded as no more than an element or aspect of them or as characterising them in their entirety. But such historical relativity may embrace both insight and partiality, and this perhaps from the very nature of the situation, in a way that defies any complete analytical separation. It will be this reference, at any rate, that we shall have principally in mind in what follows. Perhaps it is unnecessary to add, further, that when the word, ‘ideology’, is used, this must necessarily refer to a whole system of thought, or coordinated set of beliefs and ideas, which form a framework, or higher-level group of related concepts, for more specific and particular notions, analyses, applications and conclusions.