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The Economic Person - Methodological Relevance of the Model

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  • Vladimir Peovski

Abstract

The main thesis is that the model of the economic person contains the methodological codification of the modern science of economics. The model comprises as its constituent elements deductive assumptions on the target-oriented function of people who are faced with economic choices, on the limitations over those choices and the opportunities they have to optimize the latter. Each element is represented as a projection of the fundamental presumption of the rationality of economic subjects. It is emphasized that, as far as methodology is concerned, the binding of the science of economics to its fundamental behaviorist model does not allow us to set precise boundaries as to its subject, however, it does identify the science very clearly through the specific approach it uses towards the phenomena under study. Methodological individualism is pointed out as the main feature of the economic approach. The manifestations of the former in the individual elements of the model of the economic person are discussed. The relative advantages of methodological individualism over holism through comparison of the models of the economic and sociological person are given. Special treatment is given to methodological instrumentalism and the way the hypotheses forming the base behaviorist model are instrumental in the realization of the latter in economic analysis. With respect to the application of that principle, the interrelation between the model of the economic person and general economic development is pointed out.

Suggested Citation

  • Vladimir Peovski, 2003. "The Economic Person - Methodological Relevance of the Model," Economic Thought journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 5, pages 3-22.
    • Handle: RePEc:bas:econth:y:2003:i:5:p:3-22
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stigler, George J., 2011. "Economics of Information," Ekonomicheskaya Politika / Economic Policy, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, vol. 5, pages 35-49.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • B20 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - General
    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines

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