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
