The Moral Trial: Economists and the Socratic Problem

Abstract

Most people believe economists are more selfish than noneconomists. The reasons for such belief and for the related moral condemnation of economists remain confused. Both charges and evidence are insufficient to support substantial judgements. Further elaboration would be welcome before drawing implications from the current charge (i.e. economists are more selfish than noneconomists), further investigations into the causes of this phenomenon (self- selection or training) are required for blaming economists and suggesting corrections, and further evidence needs be gathered to sustain the charges. Alternative explanations (beyond selfselection and training) are also suggested, which might lead to different implications, charges, and corrections.Economics, Experiments, Moral Trial, Self-Interest, Socratic Problem