Middlebury

FYSE 1476

Homo Economicus

Homo Economicus
“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest,” states Adam Smith, the “father” of economics. We will explore the power and limitations of models of human behavior that posit self-interest as universal motivation. What about seemingly irrational choices? Do we need new economic models to explain philanthropy or procrastination? To explore  these questions, we will study works by early economists like Smith, current works on behavioral economics, writings by Steven Levitt, author of Freakonomics, and Nate Silver’s writings about data analysis. 3 hrs. sem. SOC (T. Byker)
Subject:
First Year Seminar
Department:
First-Year Seminar Program
Division:
Interdisciplinary
Requirements Fulfilled:
CW SOC

Sections in Fall 2016

Fall 2016

FYSE1476A-F16 Seminar (Byker)