The nature of “Homo economicus” in mainstream economics and its nature in social spheres.
Explanation of Solution
The standardized version of “Homo economicus” considers individuals to be fundamentally rational. Rationality is defined by individuals undertaking actions and choices that provide the self with maximum benefit. It is self-satiating at its core and presumes that an individual prioritizes one’s own needs over any other’s.
The “Homo economicus” model understood by behavioral scientists is different. While it is based on the principle of an individual’s satisfaction, it goes by a system called “altruism model”, where it describes individuals’ interests to be contingent on the interests (can be both beneficial or detrimental) of other individuals.
Hence, instead of assuming economic agents to simply be self-serving, social scientists consider economic agents to derive utility from others as well.
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