The concept of homo economicus in Nurettin Topçu

One of the basic concepts of economics is homo economicus. The characteristics of this concept, which constitutes the human understanding of the field, are utility maximization, rationality and methodological individualism. Homo economicus plays an important role in the historical development of the field. Therefore, it has been criticized by heterodox schools in economics. One of these schools is Islamic economics. Homo islamicus would be an alternative to homo economicus. However as a result of a detailed examination it will be seen that; homo islamicus does not have serious differences from homo economicus. The challenge to homo economicus must take place on an ontological level. Nurettin Topçu has been determined as the person to refer to in this regard due to his anti-capitalist stance. The main sources of the study are Topçu's works. Firstly, the direct references to the concept of homo economicus were determined in the texts of Topçu. Afterwards, the components of the concept were examined separately. Homo economicus is defined by Topçu as the earner. In addition, it has been criticized for having features that prevent the emergence of perfect human being. According to him, it is not moral for people to make decisions in accordance with utility maximization because good and bad can not be determined by pleasure and benefit. Since reason cannot be reduced to calculation, rational attitude is not accepted. Although Topçu gives importance to the concept of individual, he has criticized methodological individualism for going to extremes. The basic concepts of Topçu are discussed in order to determine the ideal person to be confronted with Homo economicus. An ideal human has been revealed around the concepts defined as movement-will-revolt. While dealing with these concepts, the names affecting Topçu's thought were also examined due to the intellectual history method. The philosophy of movement and the idea of unity of existence provide the necessary ontological ground. The moral of revolt plays an important role in revealing axiology.