SUBJECTIVISME ÉCONOMIQUE, FIGURES DU BESOIN ET DE L’UTILITÉ MARGINALE À TRAVERS LES ÉDITIONS DES GRUNDSÄTZE (1871-1923) DE CARL MENGER

Abstract

This contribution argues that Menger’s Grundsätze ground economic subjectivism in cognitive features. It elaborates on need-satisfaction in relation with the use value of goods. It details the various forms raised for utility in Menger’s texts and distinguishes between both Grundsätze editions. The second edition (1923 – edited by his son Karl) turns out as the starting point of an interpretation lowering the cognitive content of the 1871 text and, therefore, the originality of the representation of individuals. With the various aspects of needs and utility, with the concept of use value, Carl Menger’s economic subjectivism does exist on an autonomous basis.