ABSTRACT
One of the most influential trends in recent years has been the emerging popularity of 'behavioural economics'. To some satirical commentators, behavioural economics is no more than ancient common sense. Even fairly basic observations about human behaviour disappeared from consideration in mainstream economic theory, because it was based on the notions either that people don't exist, or that we are unthinking acquisitive machines. Theology developed the theory of witchcraft, medical science produced blood-letting and mesmerism. Theology developed the theory of witchcraft, medical science produced blood-letting and mesmerism. An important dimension in the development of ideas around governance and economics is politics. A feature of both political thought and agency theory is a tendency to assume that different constituencies are inevitably at war with one another. As services become more complex, environmental protection becomes more urgent, and skill levels higher, the level of interdependence actually increases.
