The 'Economic Man' (Reference Request)?

Question

We are writing a paper about the 'economic man.' By this, we mean that the choices he makes epitomize a rational economic thinker. However, we also acknowledge the fact that there are other, non-economic reasons that people make decisions such as religion. What (if any) literature addresses the idea that even with other considerations, a person will still act rationally in the economic sense. Preferably we would like to have a theoretical model that encases these other choice considerations. Also, we would love to hear whether there are any case studies on this idea.

Answer 1

I am afraid I have to disagree with you. All decisions or choices are rational or economic. You bring up the point of religion. If a person believes he will get into heaven if he avoids certain behaviors (gambling, working on Sunday, whatever) These will form the preferences and indifference curves which represent these preferences. Therer are some great books on the economics of human behavior. You may also want to look at "Freakonmics"