A note on habit: Veblen and Dewey

Thorstein B. Veblen is one of the most prominent economists, who emphasizes human nature and social reality. For Veblen, habit and institutions constitute crucial categories. However, there is a conflicting interpretation of habit in the institutionalist literature. While some claim that Veblen uses the notion of habit to indicate human dispositions, propensities, proclivities and even capacities, others argue that habit in Veblen is repeated action. This discussion is so crucial since it gives rise to the question of whether Veblen can be considered as a pragmatist •Veblen and Dewey emphasize the importance of habit and instinct in human nature.•There is a discussion in literature on habit about how Veblen uses it.•This discussion is so crucial since it gives rise to the question of whether Veblen can be considered as a pragmatist.