THE LIMITED FAILURE OF HOMO OECONOMICUS

Abstract

The ideal of individual imposed as anthropological model in social thinking is the homo economicus. A model to explain societies and design institutions. The scope of this model is explained by its theoretical and methodological advantages as well as by the ambiguities of its interpretation: at times confused with the simple idea of rationality. It can be understood as a heuristic theory, a cognitive competence, or as a genuine empirical theory. In the latter, the idea seems more accurate, facing serious objections though: its truth, or even desirability, is questionable. All in all, its numerous problems should not lead us to dismiss the idea definitely but simply oblige us to nuance it