What is the main characteristic of the rational economic man?

The rational economic man, often referred to as "homo economicus," is a conceptual model in economic theory that represents individuals who make decisions aimed at maximizing their utility or satisfaction. This model assumes that individuals are self-interested and operate under the premise that they will choose the option that provides them the highest level of personal benefit, given their preferences, constraints, and available information.

By focusing on the maximization of utility, the rational economic man engages in cost-benefit analysis, weighing the potential gains against the costs involved in any decision-making process. This characteristic is foundational to classical economic theory, which posits that individuals reliably behave in a way that increases their personal welfare, thus allowing for predictable patterns in economic interactions.

While other characteristics such as social connections, consideration of others’ well-being, and decision-making complexities may influence real human behavior, they do not align with the essential premise of the rational economic man. Thus, the main characteristic remains the pursuit of the highest possible utility, which distinctly identifies this model from behaviors informed by social or ethical considerations.