======================= HES POSTING ================= >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 ============ FOOTER TO HES POSTING ============ For information, send the message "info HES" to [log in to unmask]