ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the notions of choice and purpose in economics and argues that whilst economists have traditionally emphasised purposefulness and choice, neither is the space in existing ideas for an evolutionary approach. It discusses a means of combining ideas of purpose and determination, causality and evolution, which previously may have been regarded as difficult to reconcile. The concept of intentional behaviour is found in a wide variety of economic writings. The fact that the notion of purposeful behaviour is not deeply rooted in orthodox theory is demonstrated when attempts are made to incorporate Darwinian ideas. The modern, neo-Darwinian, 'synthesis' in biology explains evolution in terms of random variation and natural selection. Although revivals of Lamarckism have often concentrated instead on the mechanisms of acquired character inheritance, real intentionality is a feature of Lamarck's work. Additionally, the information that is processed and transmitted by institutions itself has its own internal hierarchy of meaning.
