Filling in the Background

Jochen Runde

Journal of Economic Methodology, 2001, vol. 9, issue 1, 11-30

Abstract: Commonsense rational choice explanations exploit a form of intentional causation, an idealized version of which underpins the formal rational modelling of modern economic theory. Following John Searle, it is argued that the deliberations and activities of economic actors do not bottom out in intentional states, but in various nonintentional or 'Background' capacities and dispositions. It is shown why the formal version of rational choice theory employed in economics does not have the resources to address such capacities and dispositions, and that the prevailing commitment to this theory thereby reinforces their neglect. Examples are given of the impact of Background phenomena in the economic realm.

Keywords: Causation; Explanation; Institutions; Intentionality; Knowledge; Rational Choice Theory; Tacit Knowledge; The Background (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001
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DOI: 10.1080/13501780110120082

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