RATIONALITY AND IRRATIONALITY IN ECONOMICS (SELECTED PROBLEMS)

The text critically surveys some aspects of model human behavior in economic theories, especially the assumption of rationality in the standard models. Rationality itself is usually differently determined what is closely connected to various concepts of human. Despite numerous reservations in economic and other sciences, the standard economic human model rationality neoclassic concept, so called homo oeconomicus - still prevails. Characteristics and limitations of the homo economicus model can be critically confronted with the decision making of real human beings, including the importance and an impact of irrationality, altruism, etc. In addition, there are other approaches to modeling of a human behavior (and not only economic rationality) and has often cross interdisciplinary boundaries of mainstream. The inspiration can be found for example in the emerging behavioral, or the experimental economics. Also the deeper analysis of specifics of life indigenous nations promises a significant contribution in this area. The current global society faces many problems that may, due to their nature, have fatal consequences for mankind. Finding and choosing the appropriate paradigm or acceptable value mode is a prerequisite for solving them. What is the role of rationality or irrationality, morality and altruism in this process?