Economic Man: Difference between revisions
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== 6. References == | == 6. References == | ||
a. The Idea of Justice | |||
Sen, Amartya, 1933- | |||
b. Poverty, inequality and health : an international perspective | |||
Leon, David A. | |||
c. The political economy of hunger : selected essays | |||
Drèze, Jean. | |||
d. On ethics and economics | |||
Sen, Amartya Kumar./ Specifically on Welfare and Human choice. | |||
e. The Secret History of the Dismal Science Series | |||
i. Leavy, David M, Peace, Sandra J |
Revision as of 18:08, 30 March 2011
![](/images/6/64/Sen.jpg)
1. Introduction
Throughout economic history, a debate over the concept of the existence of the economic man (homo economicus) has been prevalent. Homo economicus says that human beings are rational and self interested actors in an economy. Our goal as economic actors is to maximize our own utility. We began the class with a debate over slavery and an economists’ opposition to slavery due to a violation of this very notion.
Some thinkers, most notably Thomas Carlyle, believed that some groups did not posses the intelligence or ability to govern themselves. Therefore, other more “advanced” races should be in charge of their lives in order to make the world economy most productive. In opposition to this line of thinking was J. S Mill and a long list of abolitionists believed that Thomas Carlyle’s desire to create a ruling race to subject all “sub-human” races was a direct violation of the principle of the economic man. People no matter what their race or education level, have the ability in an economy to make their own rational decisions that will maximize their utility.
2. J.S. Mill v Sen
3. Smith v Sen
![](/images/thumb/e/e5/Adamsmith.jpg/180px-Adamsmith.jpg)
4. Carlyle v Sen
![](/images/thumb/5/57/Thomascarlyle.jpg/180px-Thomascarlyle.jpg)
5. Conclusion/Wrap-up
6. References
a. The Idea of Justice
Sen, Amartya, 1933-
b. Poverty, inequality and health : an international perspective
Leon, David A.
c. The political economy of hunger : selected essays
Drèze, Jean.
d. On ethics and economics
Sen, Amartya Kumar./ Specifically on Welfare and Human choice.
e. The Secret History of the Dismal Science Series
i. Leavy, David M, Peace, Sandra J