The Economic Person and Responsibility

Economic theory traditionally proposes the concept of an individual devoid of all morality. At its best, morality becomes the object of a rational calculation. However, a person is not as untarnished as economic theory presupposes him to be. Each person is submerged into a social world and more or less integrates the norms of the society in which he lives. If he is unable to internalise them, he would at least partially fear the sanctions that could be imposed upon him if these norms are not respected by him. In the vast majority of cases, persons act in a responsible manner, be it through willingness or constraint. They make their choices by taking social norms and morals into consideration. Economic calculation should hence take this aspect into account. It cannot totally dismiss the fact that the individual is above all a social and responsible being.