Philosophical Thoughts On Economic Reason

With the expansion of the research field in the philosophy of science , the epistemology and methodology in economics has become an prominent part of it. The article aims at making an objective and comprehensive exploration into the logical premises and the methodology of the economic reason hypothesesThe hypothesis of "economic man" is the core hypothesis of the research on economics, based on which great progress has been achieved in economics. However, the economics theories thus established can't make satisfying explanation to numerous economic phenomena, resulting in doubts in academic circles. Hence, understanding the economic reason hypotheses objectively is of great significance to both theoretical study of economics and social practice in the transformation period in China.The article deals with the necessity of the economic reason hypotheses, pointing out their ideal and instrumental nature. In practice, the reason hypotheses appear absolutely rational to a certain extension, mutually beneficial and restrictive. Although there are many problems with the basic economic reason hypotheses, they still contain relatively reasonable aspects, therefore, a realistic attitude is required.The article covers four parts:In the first part, the paper points out that the economic reason refers to traditional rationalism and pursuit of the maximum benefits, with the motive of self-interest. On this basis, the paper makes a review of the history and the background of the economic reason hypotheses.The second part deals with the rationality of the economic reason from the perspective of philosophy of science, explaining the relationship among self-interest, morals and benefits in the theories, applying psychological preference and motivation in explaining the relationship between self-interest and altruism. Meanwhile, the paper also demonstrates the reasons why the economic reason hypotheses are accepted, namely, the accurate interpretations and estimates of economic phenomena.The third part makes analysis to challenges economic reason hypotheses are facing, namely, bounded economic, irrationalism, practical reason in the rational premises in economics employing dialectics. Besides, it also reviews the philosophic foundation of the economic reason.In the last part, the paper concludes that the premises and the framwork of economic reason hypotheses are acceptable and rational. The economic reason hypotheses are significant both theoretically and practically, thus it deserves a scientific and tolerant attitude.