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needs scare quotes because selfishness is not considered rational by all scholars
'''Rational behavior''' is behavior that maximizes utility by concurrently maximizing [[benefit]]s and minimizing [[cost]]s. The term is frequently used in [[economics]]. The [[rationalism|rationality]] in this case is [[morals|morally]] [[neutrality|neutral]]: it may prevent a person from [[anti-social]] behavior by reminding him of the attendant costs (i.e. punishment), but may encourage "[[immoral]]" acts if an individual views them as the most efficient choice in his circumstances. Rational behavior is further complicated when [[utility]] interdependence is taken into consideration - i.e., when the individual seeks not only utility for himself, but also utility for others, such as his loved ones.
'''"Rational behavior"''' is behavior that maximizes utility by concurrently maximizing [[benefit]]s and minimizing [[cost]]s. The term is frequently used in [[economics]]. The [[rationalism|rationality]] in this case is [[morals|morally]] [[neutrality|neutral]]: it may prevent a person from [[anti-social]] behavior by reminding him of the attendant costs (i.e. punishment), but may encourage "[[immoral]]" acts if an individual views them as the most efficient choice in his circumstances. Rational behavior is further complicated when [[utility]] interdependence is taken into consideration - i.e., when the individual seeks not only utility for himself, but also utility for others, such as his loved ones.
[[Category:Economics]]
[[Category:Economics]]