The traditional model of homo economicus (economic man) is insufficient and overly simplistic. Homo agens (acting man) paired with homo moralis (moral man) should replace homo economicus as a foundation for economic thinking. Homo agens considers how to attain an end, while homo moralis considers whether the means employed and the ends sought are genuinely good for the person.

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Douglas B. Rasmussen is professor emeritus at St. John’s University.
Other Independent Review articles by Douglas B. Rasmussen
Winter 2012/13 Why Justice? Which Justice? Impartiality or Objectivity?