Learning
Learning is not truly separable from
cognition since one leads to the other. As
such, learning is the acquisition of
knowledge, rules and habits, but not
necessarily in a rational way (see Hodgson,
1998, for a further discussion). Thus, while it
is possible that individuals might learn the
optimal model and consequently act
optimally it is unlikely given the previous
comments relating to extensiveness and complexity. Individuals learn to perform
their tasks effectively, but not necessarily correctly, since learning may be incorrect. Standard economics would place emphasis
on accumulating and processing new
information rather than interpretative skills
which help relate new practices to the framework that comprises remaining
connected rules and habits. In a sense,
because learning is often difficult and always
time consuming acts, once learned, are