Rational Agent(orthodox economics) |
«Behavioral» Agent(behavioral economics) |
Knows all alternatives and all their parameters. |
- There are too many alternatives to be elaborated.- Many parameters are hidden from the individual. |
- Can compare and rank all alternatives in a consistent manner.- Knows clearly his preferences.- Has stable preferences. |
- It is difficult for the agent to evaluate and compare alternatives.- Agent does not always know what he wants.- Preferences are not stable. |
Chooses the best ("optimal") option, maximizing utility. |
- Optimum is not always available.- Optimum does not always exist.- The choice can be emotional.- A non-rational choice, taking into account all the costs, may prove to be more beneficial than the optimal one. |