Alışkanlık ve Rasyonalite Kavramları Temelinde Veblen ve Simon Üzerine Yeniden Düşünmek

The economic theories of T. Veblen and H. A. Simon criticize mainstream economics that explains economic behavior on the basis of utility and profit maximization. In fact, the explanations given by neoclassical economists depend on the hypothesis of rationality of individuals. According to Veblen and Simon, neoclassical theory is incapable of explaining the real functioning of the markets and proposing solutions to economic problems. For them also, the rational economic agent doesn’t always represent real people acting in real economic markets. But, Veblen and Simon has ambition to describe an alternative economic agent more similar to real people. To do it, for them, the main condition is to accept that economic agents behave also respecting their habits. Veblen and Simon makes, the individual who act economically according to their habits that are shaped by personal and social motives, the subject matter of their theories. In this paper, we will focus on the economic behavior driven by habit and rational economic behavior first in Veblen’s evolutionary economics (1.) and then in Simon’s organizational theory (2.). Finally, we will compare both author’s positions(3.).