Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/18774 
Year of Publication: 
2005
Series/Report no.: 
CESifo Working Paper No. 1410
Publisher: 
Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo), Munich
Abstract: 
The weak rationality principle is not an empirical statement but a heuristic rule of how to proceed in social sciences. It is a necessary ingredient of any ?understanding? social science in the Weberian sense. In this paper, first this principle and its role in economic theorizing is discussed. It is also explained why it makes sense to use a micro-foundation and, therefore, employ the rationality assumption in economic models. Then, with reference to the ?bounded rationality? approach, the informational assumptions are discussed. Third, we address the assumption of self-interest which is often seen as a part of the rationality assumption. We conclude with some remarks on handling the problems of ?free will? as well as ?weakness of the will? within the economic approach.
Subjects: 
rationality
self interest
micro-foundation
bounded rationality
JEL: 
B41
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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