1. What is the kula? Why does Malinowski claim that it is economic? Do you agree with his reasoning?

2. Why does Sahlins call hunting and gathering societies "affluent"? What does his argument suggest about economists' assumptions about homo economicus?

3. How do both Nash and Polanyi define the differences between formal and substantive economics? Why does Polanyi favor the substantive approach? Do you agree with his reasons?

4. Taken together, how do these articles challenge economists' explanations for human behavior? Which arguments do you find most convincing? Why?

5. How would a substantivist analyze the kula, and what broader conclusions would emerge from such an analysis? How about a formalist? How would each respond to the other's arguments?

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