“经济人”是西方经济学对经济行为主体的行为假设,并成为西方经济学赖以建立和发展的理论前提和基础。这个假设自18世纪末期斯密提出“经济人”假说以来,经历了漫长的历史发展过程,可以说,经济学发展的历史就是围绕人性假设——“经济人”假说而展开的。对“经济人”思想的探析,证明斯密无愧为经济科学的伟大奠基者。 “Economic man” is the behavior hypothesis of western economics on the main body of economic activity and becomes the theoretical premise and foundation on which western economics depends on establishment and development. This hypothesis has undergone a long process of historical development since the hypothesis of “economic man” was put forward by Smith in the late 18th century. It can be said that the history of the development of economics revolves around the assumption of human nature - the “economic man”. The analysis of “economic man” thinking proves that Smith deserved to be the great founder of economic science.