Identity Theories in Economics: A Phenomenological Approach

ANTON MLINAR, IVANA; CRESPO, RICARDO F.

Words, Objects and Events in Economics. The Making of Economic Theory

Springer

Lugar: Dordrecht; Año: 2020; p. 193 - 211

After the seminal 2001 paper written by George Akerlof and Rachel Kranton, the field of identity economics has increasingly developed. This paper presents a new approach to the definition of economic agents´ identity, first sketching the conditions required for an appropriate notion on economic agents´ identity. Next, it summarizes earlier views outlined by Akerlof and Kranton, Amartya Sen, Miriam Teschl and Alan Kirman, and John B. Davis. Finally, itintroduces a phenomenological approach following E. Husserl´s and K.Wojtyla´s contributions, combining intentionality, position-takings and habitualities as constitutive features of the experience of the acting personal self, to provide a satisfactory identity concept for economic agents.