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Distinguishing Self-interest from Greed: Ethical Constraints and Economic Efficiency

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  • Steven Suranovic

    (George Washington University)

Abstract

This paper demonstrates that economic efficiency is enhanced when market participants adhere to certain ethical constraints. These ethical constraints are implicit in the neoclassical economics models, but are rarely emphasized by the economics discipline in standard texts. Avoidance of this issue has contributed to many misunderstandings including the role that individual self-interest plays in promoting economic success. This paper applies the ethical principles identified here to establish a definition for greedy behavior and to distinguish it from enlightened self-interest, which is the mode of behavior required of homo economicus. The paper offers numerous examples that show that many of the negative impressions people have about economic and business activity arise largely when market participants act greedily and therefore are not conforming to the necessary ethical restrictions on homo economicus.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven Suranovic, 2019. "Distinguishing Self-interest from Greed: Ethical Constraints and Economic Efficiency," Working Papers 2019-17, The George Washington University, Institute for International Economic Policy.
    • Handle: RePEc:gwi:wpaper:2019-17
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    File URL: http://www2.gwu.edu/~iiep/assets/docs/papers/2019WP/SuranovicIIEP2019-17.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ethics; efficiency; greed; homo economicus; self-interest; economics; business ethics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A2 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics
    • B4 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology
    • P1 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies

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