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"The whole breadth of reason": a step towards rethinking economics and rationality

Author

Listed:
  • Simona Beretta
  • Mario A. Maggioni

    (DISEIS, ASERI and CSCC, Universita` Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)

Abstract

The paper, which acts as an introduction to the Special Issue devoted to ‘‘The whole breadth of reason’’, addresses the topic of economic rationality and discusses its strengths and weaknesses within an interdisciplinary perspective highlighting the relational dimension of agents and actions. Exiting the cage of homo economicus, we critically discuss both behavioral economics and neuro economics approaches, showing that they are not immune from limitations due to both dubious technical procedures and fragile epistemological foundations. When taking rational decision under structural uncertainty, human beings rely on default practices which are inherently developed and dynamically adapted within a community of concrete individuals; they also tend to provide persuasive justification of one’s belief to other people. The paper concludes that rationality is a powerful tool, within a relational, dynamic, realistic and ‘whole’ anthropology.

Suggested Citation

  • Simona Beretta & Mario A. Maggioni, 2012. ""The whole breadth of reason": a step towards rethinking economics and rationality," Rivista Internazionale di Scienze Sociali, Vita e Pensiero, Pubblicazioni dell'Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, vol. 120(3), pages 241-262.
    • Handle: RePEc:vep:journl:y:2012:v:120:i:3:p:241-262
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    rationality; uncertainty; relations;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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