This essay investigates possible benefits of using Michel Foucault’s theories to understand how subjects constitute themselves as consumers. Foucault’s analysis of the neo-liberal notion of homo economicus, a subject of individual interest and an entrepreneur producing its own satisfaction, is discussed in relation to contemporary consumption. The essay departs from the hypothesis that Foucault’s diverse theory of subjectivation can bridge over opposing but equally limiting description of consuming subjects offered by Marxism and liberalism. Building on Foucault’s lectures on biopolitics and the ethics of the later Foucault, the possibility of liberation from dominance, offered from opposing positions by Marxism and liberalism, is challenged. From the perspective of Foucault, subjects are constituted in relations of power that always involve freedom, understood as the individual subject’s ability to participate in and influence these relations. Further, these relations are intertwined with games of truth, certain rationalities that are linked to institutions of power. This essay argues that the neo-liberal “truth” of consumer choice structure contemporary relations of power that are integrated parts of the subject, for good and worse. For the later Foucault’s ethics, as well as his critique, dispute the extent to which we are governed, and urge us to practice freedom.

Seminario para optar al título de Ingeniería Comercial, Mención Economía / Este seminario de título tiene como objetivo dar cuenta de las variaciones que dentro de la economía podemos encontrar a la pregunta de ¿Qué es el hombre? o ¿Qué es el homo-economicus? A Partir de la lectura de textos desde años previos a los autores clásicos hasta la actualidad se presentan las variadas respuestas que se ha entregado a estas preguntas. El principal objetivo de esta investigación es dar cuenta que el pensamiento económico no es una escalera ascendente hacia la verdad, si no que ha tenido cambios según la época y que por tanto la economía debe hacerse responsable de estas diferencias para una comprensión más acabada acerca de nuestra disciplina. La presentación de textos previos a los autores clásicos, incluyendo pasajes desde los griegos y las críticas que se puedan hacer desde una perspectiva epistemológica pretenden cuestionar el mito de que Adam Smith sea exactamente el padre de la economía como la conocemos hoy y realizar una corrección a que la economía, desde un punto de vista actual, dista mucho de lo que años atrás podrían haber dicho los autores clásicos sobre el intercambio de bienes. En conjunto a esto se realiza una exposición puntual sobre cómo la maximización como tal puede no ser totalmente informativa en el futuro de la economía, abriendo la puerta a nuevas preguntas sobre el valor psicológico y cómo la realidad simbólica puede afectar nuestra toma de decisiones en formas que los modelos más clásicos no pueden abarcar. Este seminario en gran parte es una invitación a preguntarse cosas más que a responderlas de plano, siempre desde la duda central ¿Qué es esto que llamamos economía?

This thesis examines the basic attitude of individual (presented as Homo economicus) on the market, as well as the part of the group that he/she lives in. First part deals with economic phenomenon, where Homo economicus is placed on the market and his role is described through some examples of transactions and certain processes on microeconomics and macroeconomics level. The other part deals with human nature, which is connected with Homo economicus. The aim of this chapter is to prove that there is some part of human nature that exist in all of us and thus in Homo economicus as well. Some of the main passions and urges are described and attached to individual, deepening the general picture of Homo economicus. This part of the thesis gives a different approach to Homo economicus' nature, based on a more social structure where one is placed in a society, which is presented through individual's interaction with others, as well as through the need of accomplishing himself/herself as a human being in the society. Lastly, the aim is to show that Homo economicus is inevitably connected to human nature. In order to achieve the ambition, he/she needs society, needs the others, and from that need a qualitative jump can occur because one is pushing the society forward. The importance of society in...

Since the 1980s there has been a strong desire on behalf of the state to identify and intervene in the group described as over-indebted. Drawing on Michel Foucault’s thinking this thesis employs the theoretical framework of governmentality with the methodological approach of genealogy. The thesis examines how individuals and entrepreneurs were constructed into different subject positions in the Swedish debate of debt relief between 1985-2016. The purpose of this thesis is to contribute to an enhanced understanding of the reproduction of discursive practices. This thesis has two key findings: firstly, it illustrates the transformation from debate into legislation, since what was articulated in the debate also became part of the law. Secondly, it shows the enhancement over time of over-indebted entrepreneurs in relation to over-indebted individuals. While entrepreneurs were constructed as rational agents promoting the public good, over-indebted individuals underwent a shift of subject positions which evolved over time. In the years leading up to the first consumer insolvency law in 1994, they were portrayed as irresponsible credit consumers. Subsequently, they transitioned into a marginalized group of perpetual debtors. This thesis argues that homo economicus, for over-indebted individuals, can be seen as the teleological outcome of the debt relief system.

Denna avhandling behandlar frågan om i vilken utsträckning ett egenintresserat handlande kan vara etiskt berättigat. Utgångspunkten för analysen är homo economicus, den neoklassiska ekonomiska teorins antagande att individer är rationella och ultimat motiveras av sitt egenintresse. Efter en kort översikt av grunddragen i den neoklassiska ekonomiska teorin analyseras och preciseras egenskaperna hos homo economicus. Därefter utformas en normativ etisk teori för individer med anknytning till John Rawls teori om rättvisa. Syftet är att utforma ett teoretiskt ramverk för den etiska bedömningen av egenintresserat handlande. I det avslutande kapitlet tillämpas den rawlsianska etiska teorin på frågor om beskattning och skatteundandragande. Tillämpningen visar att skatteundandragande kränker ett flertal av den rawlsianska etiska teorins principer. Avslutningsvis diskuteras även skattereduktion för hushållsnära tjänster, RUT-avdraget, som ett medel för att komma tillrätta med skatteundandragande i vissa särskilt utsatta branscher. Jag hävdar att skattereduktion för städhjälp kan berättigas utifrån den rawlsianska etiska teorin, medan det ifrågasatta avdraget för läxhjälp inte kan berättigas. / This dissertation deals with the question of whether self-interested actions can be morally justified. The theoretical starting point of the inquiry is homo economicus, the neoclassical economics’ assumption that individuals are rational and ultimately motivated by their self-interest. After a brief sketch of neoclassical economic theory, the main characteristics of homo economicus are analyzed and clarified. A normative ethical theory for individuals drawing on John Rawls’s theory of justice is developed. The aim is to suggest a theoretical framework for dealing with the ethical justification of self-interested actions. In the final chapter of the thesis, the rawlsian ethical theory is applied to issues of taxation, as well as tax evasion and tax avoidance. It is argued that tax evasion/tax avoidance violates several principles identified in the rawlsian ethical framework. Tax deduction for domestic service work, as a measure to overcome tax evasion by transforming black-market work into white-market work, is also discussed. By applying the rawlsian ethical theory it is argued that tax deduction for house cleaning can be justified from the suggested framework, while deduction for the much-debated homework help cannot be justified. / <p>In the printed version of this Ph.D. Thesis the ISBN is incorrect: 9<strong>87</strong>-91-7519-202-4. The correct ISBN is 9<strong>78</strong>-91-7519-202-4 and corrected in the electronic version.The series namn <em>Studies in Applied Ethics</em> is incorrect. The correct series name is <em>CTE</em>.</p>

Este trabalho se propõe a remontar a dissolução ocorrida no tempo em que a Economia Política buscava limitar seu campo de estudo, particularmente no que se refere a percepção sobre a conduta humana e a assunção de que os homens são intrinsecamente egoístas. Para tanto, é desenvolvida a visão do homem moralmente condicionado em Adam Smith e também as modificações subsequentes originadas nas diferentes concepções dos autores da escola clássica e da neoclássica. Sendo que estas mudanças enfatizam o egoísmo do agente econômico. Neste intento, é retraçado o caminho da consolidação do postulado do egoísmo, assim como os percalços, controvérsias e conflitos desta caracterização. São explorados os elementos que auxiliaram na transformação do homem smithiano em homo economicus, tais como a leitura descontextualizada de Smith, o individualismo, o utilitarismo, o individualismo metodológico, o positivismo e a própria necessidade de abstração teórica. Adicionalmente, é verificado que a confusão de conceitos presente nesta construção metodológica traz a referência de que a ciência econômica faz apologia ao egoísmo. Esta percepção é um subproduto do desenlace da economia com as questões morais. / This research is proposed to reassemble the dissolution occurred when the Political Economy sought to limit their field of study, particularly in the perception of humann behavior and the assumption that men are inherently selfish. To do that, it is developed the perception of Adam Smith about human behavior, and the subsequent changes resulting from different conceptions of classical and the neoclassical authors. These changes emphasize the selfishness of the economic agent. In this attempt, is showed the way of the consolidating of self-interest premise, the mishaps and controversies of this path. It explores the the elements that collaborated in the transformation of Smithian man in homo economicus, such as decontextualized reading of Smith, individualism, utilitarianism, methodological individualism, positivism and the very necessity of theoretical abstraction. Additionally, it is observed that the confusion of concepts present in this methodological construction suggests that economics salutes the egoism. This is a result of the distinction between moral and economic aspects.

Este trabalho se propõe a remontar a dissolução ocorrida no tempo em que a Economia Política buscava limitar seu campo de estudo, particularmente no que se refere a percepção sobre a conduta humana e a assunção de que os homens são intrinsecamente egoístas. Para tanto, é desenvolvida a visão do homem moralmente condicionado em Adam Smith e também as modificações subsequentes originadas nas diferentes concepções dos autores da escola clássica e da neoclássica. Sendo que estas mudanças enfatizam o egoísmo do agente econômico. Neste intento, é retraçado o caminho da consolidação do postulado do egoísmo, assim como os percalços, controvérsias e conflitos desta caracterização. São explorados os elementos que auxiliaram na transformação do homem smithiano em homo economicus, tais como a leitura descontextualizada de Smith, o individualismo, o utilitarismo, o individualismo metodológico, o positivismo e a própria necessidade de abstração teórica. Adicionalmente, é verificado que a confusão de conceitos presente nesta construção metodológica traz a referência de que a ciência econômica faz apologia ao egoísmo. Esta percepção é um subproduto do desenlace da economia com as questões morais. / This research is proposed to reassemble the dissolution occurred when the Political Economy sought to limit their field of study, particularly in the perception of humann behavior and the assumption that men are inherently selfish. To do that, it is developed the perception of Adam Smith about human behavior, and the subsequent changes resulting from different conceptions of classical and the neoclassical authors. These changes emphasize the selfishness of the economic agent. In this attempt, is showed the way of the consolidating of self-interest premise, the mishaps and controversies of this path. It explores the the elements that collaborated in the transformation of Smithian man in homo economicus, such as decontextualized reading of Smith, individualism, utilitarianism, methodological individualism, positivism and the very necessity of theoretical abstraction. Additionally, it is observed that the confusion of concepts present in this methodological construction suggests that economics salutes the egoism. This is a result of the distinction between moral and economic aspects.

Este trabalho se propõe a remontar a dissolução ocorrida no tempo em que a Economia Política buscava limitar seu campo de estudo, particularmente no que se refere a percepção sobre a conduta humana e a assunção de que os homens são intrinsecamente egoístas. Para tanto, é desenvolvida a visão do homem moralmente condicionado em Adam Smith e também as modificações subsequentes originadas nas diferentes concepções dos autores da escola clássica e da neoclássica. Sendo que estas mudanças enfatizam o egoísmo do agente econômico. Neste intento, é retraçado o caminho da consolidação do postulado do egoísmo, assim como os percalços, controvérsias e conflitos desta caracterização. São explorados os elementos que auxiliaram na transformação do homem smithiano em homo economicus, tais como a leitura descontextualizada de Smith, o individualismo, o utilitarismo, o individualismo metodológico, o positivismo e a própria necessidade de abstração teórica. Adicionalmente, é verificado que a confusão de conceitos presente nesta construção metodológica traz a referência de que a ciência econômica faz apologia ao egoísmo. Esta percepção é um subproduto do desenlace da economia com as questões morais. / This research is proposed to reassemble the dissolution occurred when the Political Economy sought to limit their field of study, particularly in the perception of humann behavior and the assumption that men are inherently selfish. To do that, it is developed the perception of Adam Smith about human behavior, and the subsequent changes resulting from different conceptions of classical and the neoclassical authors. These changes emphasize the selfishness of the economic agent. In this attempt, is showed the way of the consolidating of self-interest premise, the mishaps and controversies of this path. It explores the the elements that collaborated in the transformation of Smithian man in homo economicus, such as decontextualized reading of Smith, individualism, utilitarianism, methodological individualism, positivism and the very necessity of theoretical abstraction. Additionally, it is observed that the confusion of concepts present in this methodological construction suggests that economics salutes the egoism. This is a result of the distinction between moral and economic aspects.

This diploma thesis researches model of economic man, its historical background, and also modern critics of this concept and alternative approach to economic man, especially in behavioral economics. Human (im)perfection leads to the discussion about a range of liberty man should get eventually to which extent should a man be led by paternalism. Therefore this thesis introduces and tests concept of libertarian paternalism which is applied to drug issues. The thesis demonstrates that model of economic man is in many ways too simplified and insufficient. Thus, extention of this model with findings of psychology, biology and other sciences seems beneficial. Libertarian paternalism, despite few shortcomings, shows potential to be realisable and viable in certain situations.

Memoria para obtener el título de Periodista / Desde su aparición en la tierra, los seres humanos han entendido la necesidad de asociarse para cubrir desde sus necesidades más básicas hasta las más suntuarias. Los sociólogos destacan como una característica inherente a su naturaleza el ser gregarios. Junto con la asociatividad vino el desarrollo de la economía y después sus teorías al respecto. En la segunda mitad del siglo XIII, los neoclásicos Adam Smith y David Ricardo cimentaron las bases del libre mercado, al determinar que entre las aspiraciones de oferentes y demandantes existía un punto de equilibrio que permitía determinar el precio de los productos y servicios. Smith incluso entrega un modelo de un hombre que calzaría perfecto en un sistema de libre mercado: el Homo Economicus , una persona que muestra un comportamiento racional en materia económica, cuyas preferencias de productos y servicios obedecen a decisiones pensadas en base a sus necesidades reales y que procura maximizar las utilidades. Esta visión ideal asume que, en el uso de su capacidad de raciocinio, el individuo toma decisiones informadas. Y lo que resulta más curioso es que el “egoísmo natural” de los humanos es un motor importante del intercambio comercial. Esta es la base moral en la que descansa el libre mercado.