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>On Fri, 08 Aug 1997 08:14:26 -0500 (EST) "Michael L. Robison" 
><[log in to unmask]> wrote: 
> 
>> > In neo-classical economics we assume that all agents are motivated 
solely 
>> > by 'self-interest'. But what precisely do we mean? Do we mean that 
>> > individuals will only do something if it directly benefits themselves 
(a 
>> > narrow definition)? Or do we mean that individuals might also 
sometimes do 
>> > things for other people to the extent that they indirectly reap 
>> > satisfaction from such 'generosity' (a broad definition)? 
>> > 
>[cut] 
 
 
Another direction might be to go to classical economics and the beginnings 
of the idea of [self-] interests:  Hirschman, PASSIONS AND INTERESTS (ca. 
1978) would be one introductory locus. 
 
Yours, Peter G. Stillman 
 
[log in to unmask] 
Department of Political Science 
Vassar College -- #463 
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604-0463 
(914) 437-5566 
 
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