Overview
- Analyzes the evolution of the notion of “self-interest,” which has never been fully researched despite its essential role in economics
- Presents contributions by leading experts in the field, highlighting the relationship between self-interest and current theoretical economics, such as neuroeconomics and behavioral economics
- Is the first book dedicated to the history of self-interest in economics, offering an excellent overall treatment of the subject for economists and general readers alike
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Table of contents (18 chapters)
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Front Matter
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Self-Interest in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Economics
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Front Matter
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Self-Interest in Twentieth Century Economics
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Front Matter
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Contemporary Topics in Self-Interest and Economics
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Front Matter
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Keywords
About this book
This is the first book to describe the entire developmental history of the human aspects of economics. The issue of “self-interest” is discussed throughout, from pre-Adam Smith to contemporary neuroeconomics, representing a unique contribution to economics. Though the notion of self-interest has been interpreted in several ways by various schools of economics and economists since Smith first placed it at the heart of the field, this is the first book to focus on this important but overlooked topic.
Traditionally, economic theory has presupposed that the core of human behavior is self-interest. Nevertheless, some economists, e.g. recent behavioral economists, have cast doubt on this “self-interested” explanation. Further, though many economists have agreed on the central role of self-interest in economic behavior, each economist’s positioning of self-interest in economic theory differs to some degree. This book helps to elucidate the position of self-interest in economic theory.
Given its focus, it is a must-read companion, not only on the history of economic thought but also on economic theory. Furthermore, as today’s capitalism is increasingly causing people to wonder just where self-interest lies, it also appeals to general readers.
Reviews
Editors and Affiliations
About the editors
Masanori Taishido, Faculty of Economics, Toyo University
Wade Hands, Department of Economics, University of Puget Sound
Uskali Mäki, Department of Political and economic Studies, University of Helsinki
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: A Genealogy of Self-Interest in Economics
Editors: Susumu Egashira, Masanori Taishido, D. Wade Hands, Uskali Mäki
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9395-6
Publisher: Springer Singapore
eBook Packages: Economics and Finance, Economics and Finance (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
Hardcover ISBN: 978-981-15-9394-9Published: 30 January 2021
Softcover ISBN: 978-981-15-9397-0Published: 30 January 2022
eBook ISBN: 978-981-15-9395-6Published: 29 January 2021
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: VI, 316
Number of Illustrations: 15 b/w illustrations, 3 illustrations in colour
Topics: Behavioral/Experimental Economics, Economic Theory/Quantitative Economics/Mathematical Methods, Social Choice/Welfare Economics/Public Choice/Political Economy, History of Economic Thought/Methodology, Social Policy