Abstract.
The paper discusses the micro foundations of evolutionary economics, introducing a unified concept of the economic agent as a rule maker and rule user. Based on recent findings of the neuronal, cognitive and behavioral sciences, Homo Sapiens Oeconomicus emerges as an alternative to Homo Oeconomicus. A taxonomy of rules distinguishing between cognitive, behavioral and blueprint rules and a set of theoretical propositions related to the structure and evolution of those rules are suggested.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
JEL Classification:
A 12, B 41, B 52, B 53, D 00, D 64, D 80, D 83, E 11, L20
The present paper had its origin in a research project on “The Interdisciplinary Foundations of Economic Decision Making” supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation during 1978-1980. The core of that work was a ‘brain model’ whose architecture also serves as a corner stone for this paper. Since then there have been substantial developments in the respective areas; some of the major findings of the more recent research in the neuronal, cognitive and related sciences are discussed and integrated into the present paper. - I gratefully acknowledge insightful comments and criticisms from Georg D. Blind. Some ideas were discussed during my tenure as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Queensland, in fall 2003, and I wish to record my appreciation of the hospitality during that visit. Particular thanks for the inspiring discussions go to Peter Earl, John Foster, and, as always, Jason Potts. Special thanks are due to Juli Lessmann and Charles R. McCann for their thoughtful corrections of my English prose and their editorial help. The usual disclaimer applies.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dopfer, K. The economic agent as rule maker and rule user: Homo Sapiens Oeconomicus . J. Evol. Econ. 14, 177–195 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00191-004-0189-9
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00191-004-0189-9