The Theory of the Individual in Economics

By John B Davis

The concept of the individual is central to the understanding of behavior in economics. Different approaches in economics implicitly rely on different theories of the individual. Yet economics is guilty of using this very important concept without questioning how it is theorized. This superb book remedies this oversight.
The new approach put forward by John B. Davis employs identity analysis to understand theories of the individual in economics. It combines philosophy and economics to determine when theories of the individual are successful. With both heterodox and orthodox economics receiving a thorough analysis, this book is at once inclusive and systematic.
Davis has produced a startlingly original book that should become essential reading for all those interested in the study of economic philosophy and methodology, but will also be of great interest to philosophers and social scientists outside economics.
John B Davis

First published 2003
by Routledge
11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE
Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada
by Routledge
29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group
© 2003 John B. Davis
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or
reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical,
or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying
and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without
permission in writing from the publishers.
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Davis, John, 1947 June 13–
The theory of the individual in economics : indentity and value / John Davis.
p. cm. — (Advances in social economics)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0–415–20219–1 (hbk) — ISBN 0–415–20220–5 (pbk.)
1. Economics—Philosophy. 2. Individuality. 3. Identity (Psychology)—Economic
aspects. 4. Value. I. Title. II. Series.
HB72 .D247 2003
330'.01'9—dc21 2002023992
ISBN 0–415–20219–1 (hbk)
ISBN 0–415–20220–5 (pbk)
For Bryan Davis
This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2003.
ISBN 0-203-45768-4 Master e-book ISBN