Author: Svetlana I. Ponomaryova, Cand. Sc. (Econ.), Associate Prof. of Political Economy Dept.

Abstract: The paper discusses the dichotomy between the normative and the positive in the rational choice theory in the light of modern development of behavioural and experimental economics. The author examines new types of rationality, shows the historical pattern of their emergence and presents the changes in basic concepts and ideas that underlie the understanding of the rational choice of economic agents and comprehensions these changes should be reflected in the academic programs of higher school.

Keywords: rational choice theory; rationality; positive economics; normative economics; experimental economics; behavioural economics.