Title

A model of human nature and personal development

Document Type

Journal article

Source Publication

The Journal of Socio-Economics

Publication Date

1-1-1998

Volume

27

Issue

2

First Page

271

Last Page

287

Abstract

This paper assumes that human nature is universal and postulates the existence of a common, “true utility function” defined on attributes or “substantive goods.” However, individuals have different household production functions so that the capacity to realize the substantive goods varies from person to person. Moreover, the limited life experience of an individual constrains his perception of his constraints and oppurtunities. As a result, individual maximization behavior is based on a perceived utility function and a perceived household production function. Personal development is a process of learning about the true utility or “happiness” function and the true household production function. If a virtuous circle of personal development is activated, imaginary constraints are overcome and real constraints are accepted. On the other hand, a vicious circle of immiserising development may occur if frustrations are misinterpreted.

DOI

10.1016/S1053-5357(99)80089-4

Print ISSN

10535357

E-ISSN

18791239

Publisher Statement

Copyright © 1998 by JAI Press, Inc.

Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.

Full-text Version

Publisher’s Version

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Ho, L. S. (1998). A model of human nature and personal development. The Journal of Socio-Economics, 27(2), 271-287. doi: 10.1016/S1053-5357(99)80089-4

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