Martin P. Golding
Ashgate Dartmouth
Hardback
608
1994
The author of this book points out that orthodox economic theory defines homo economicus as both rational and selfish but one should also ask if selfishness is the only motivation that affects human behaviour and whether allowing for non-selfish motivations implies individual irrationality. She goes on to survey some recent economic theories of philanthropy distinguishing between those which do not seem compatible with the homo economicus assumption and those that are consistent with it in particular environment and art and some questions of policy are addressed for example the effects of taxation on voluntary contributions.
Ashgate Dartmouth
Hardback
608
1994
The author of this book points out that orthodox economic theory defines homo economicus as both rational and selfish but one should also ask if selfishness is the only motivation that affects human behaviour and whether allowing for non-selfish motivations implies individual irrationality. She goes on to survey some recent economic theories of philanthropy distinguishing between those which do not seem compatible with the homo economicus assumption and those that are consistent with it in particular environment and art and some questions of policy are addressed for example the effects of taxation on voluntary contributions.