This book investigates the philosophical underpinnings of the human subject as conceptualized within the history of economic thought. Sonia Marie Scott examines how various economic frameworks construct the identity and agency of the individual, tracing these developments from classical political economy to modern radical apriorism. By analyzing the works of key figures such as Ricardo, Smith, Walras, Marshall, Keynes, Mises, and Hayek, the author argues that economic theories rely on implicit, often rigid, philosophical architectures of subjectivity that dictate how economic actors are perceived and modeled.

Scholars in the field of heterodox economics and philosophy of social science frequently cite this work for its rigorous deconstruction of the rational actor model. Experts highlight the text as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the ontological assumptions embedded in foundational economic texts.