This chapter discusses the Homo economicus conception of the individual in economics in its neoclassical formulation from an ontological point of view. It distinguishes ontological and epistemological analysis, sets forth identity conditions for the evaluation of the he Homo economicus...

This paper examines the relation of the concept of space to the individual conception in economics. It argues the neoclassical conception is tied to Euclidian space, and that a evolutionary-complexity-computational conception requires a non-Euclidian understanding of space. The paper...

This paper argues that since the utility function conception of the individual is derived from standard rationality theory, the view that rationality is bounded suggests that individuality should also be seen as bounded. The meaning of this idea is developed in terms of two ways in which...

This paper discusses the impact of Sraffa's thinking on economics. It argues increasing specialization in research is producing an ‘all trees, no forest' fragmentation of economics that creates opportunities for a return to concerns that motivated classical political economy. It associates...

This paper examines conceptions of the individual in recent economics (including prospect theory, preference reversal/construction approaches, social preference theory, Bacharach's team view, Ross's neuroeconomics view, and the Sugden/Bruni civil happiness approach). The first three are...

The Handbook of Economic Methodology is a major multidisciplinary reference work on the developing field of economic methodology.

The recent era of economic turbulence has generated a growing enthusiasm for an increase in new and original economic insights based around the concepts of reciprocity and social enterprise. This stimulating and thought-provoking Handbook not only encourages and supports this growth, but also...

The Elgar Companion to Economics and Philosophy aims to demonstrate exactly how these two important areas have always been linked, and to illustrate the key areas of overlap. The contributors are well-known and distinguished authors from a variety of disciplines, who have been invited both to...

The Elgar Companion to Economics and Philosophy aims to demonstrate exactly how these two important areas have always been linked, and to illustrate the key areas of overlap. The contributors are well-known and distinguished authors from a variety of disciplines, who have been invited both to...

Bringing together a collection of leading contributors to this new methodological thinking, the authors explain how it differs from the past and point towards further concerns and future issues. The recent research programs explored include behavioral and experimental economics, neuroeconomics,...