Actually, 'rational' encompasses a bit more than that, IMHO. It assumes that faced between putting food on the table and buying a luxury car, one opts to put food on the table ( a simple example, but it should illustrate ). Its not quite the same as the self-interest you describe.
"Actually, 'rational' encompasses a bit more than that, IMHO. It assumes that faced between putting food on the table and buying a luxury car, one opts to put food on the table ( a simple example, but it should illustrate ). Its not quite the same as the self-interest you describe."
O.K. -- but what if you had to chose between buying groceries today and getting a car that was an absolute requirement for a job, which would put food on the table every day thereafter? A rational decision would take the longer term into account as well as the immediate needs.
A lot of college students have to make a similar decision. They eat macaroni and cheese, take the bus, and live in a dorm for years -- so that they can eventually qualify for a better job. Is that more or less rational than dropping out early to take a job?