Toward a deontological socioeconomics

Amitai Etzioni

pp. 221-233

in: Mark A. Lutz (ed), Social economics, Berlin, Springer, 1990

Abstract

Few deny that the origins of neoclassical economics lie in a particular social philosophy and ethics, namely hedonistic utilitarianism. Contemporary economists often ignore these roots and treat their concepts as if they were value-neutral and 'scientific." In effect, the focus on profit, self-interest, and the individual's desires continues to reflect the origins of this approach.