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Ethos and formalism in economics: the rational choice theory

Authors

  • Christian Escobar Jiménez Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
Vol. 72 (2016)

Abstract

This paper develops several epistemological aspects of the standard Rational Choice Theory (hereafter RCT). The introduction presents some essential criteria of the RCT in a social and scientific context, where the RCT stands on an artificial formalization to support its validity. Then, the core elements of the RCT are briefly outlined. Subsequently, a historical perspective of the Western scientific tradition is given, in which the RCT locates, linking deeply to the idealist and rationalist epistemology. A critical review of the bounded rationality opposed to the TER and some elements of study in psychology applied to economics that contradict the assumptions of substantive rationality are also included. Finally, a review is made on the ambition of the RCT to be separated from any ethics, given his presumption of scientificity, turning herself into a powerful ethos in the field of economics, and hence, of politics.

Keywords:

epistemology of economics, rational choice, bounded rationality, ethics in economics, formalism in economics

Author Biography

Christian Escobar Jiménez, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador

Licenciado en Sociología, Máster en Economía por la EHESS de Francia, Máster en Relaciones Internacionales y Economía por la UASB de Ecuador, Máster en Filosofía de la Ciencia por la UNED de España. Doctorante en Filosofía de la Ciencia en la Universidad de Compostela España y en Estética y Música en la Universidad de París VIII de Francia. Becario del Estado ecuatoriano, docente universitario y colaborador en políticas públicas del Estado ecuatoriano.

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How to Cite
Escobar Jiménez, C. (2017). Ethos and formalism in economics: the rational choice theory. Revista De Filosofía, 72, pp. 5–24. Retrieved from https://revistaurbanismo.uchile.cl/index.php/RDF/article/view/47594
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Revista de Filosofía
Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades
Universidad de Chile
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