The concepts of rational action and the limits of the economic approach

Abstract

This paper presents the four concepts of rational action, that Habermas find
himself revising social science literature. They are teleological, normative, dramaturgic and
communicative action. It shows, after this, how these concepts can be employed to situate
analytically action notions used in Political Economy. It shows too, next, how these concepts
can help to find the limits of economic approach. It is criticized, finally, the economic imperialism
that is shown to express the expansionism of instrumental reason.

JEL Classification: B41; D01.