The economic man: human nature and reification

Abstract

This article proposes to interpret homo oeconomicus from the category of reification of György Lukács. That is an ethos or way of life, perceived as natural but conditioned by mercantile economic structures. The characteristic features of economic behavior –economical reason and self-interest– are perceived as belonging to human nature, but they are in fact historically defined in their legitimizing function of Capitalism. The article also explores some consequences of the underlying Naturalism, especially those related to the place of citizenship and political action in society.

Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 152, 2018: 61-93