The Problem of Risk in Economic Theory

The article aims to define reasons for the failure of economic theory to account for risk and uncertainty. It is shown, that risk conflicts with the basic assumption of main stream economics - rational behaviour. On the other hand, any attempts to develop a theory that would explain the influence of risk and uncertainty lead to theories of low predictive and applicative value. A sample of theories is presented and their methods of treating risk are discussed in the article. The discussion leads to conclusions as to future research into economic theory of risk.Zadanie pt. „Digitalizacja i udostępnienie w Cyfrowym Repozytorium Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego kolekcji czasopism naukowych wydawanych przez Uniwersytet Łódzki” nr 885/P-DUN/2014 zostało dofinansowane ze środków MNiSW w ramach działalności upowszechniającej nauk