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  4. Spring 2002
  5. Evolution and Human Nature

Journal of Economic Perspectives

ISSN 0895-3309 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7965 (Online)

Evolution and Human Nature

  • Arthur J. Robson
Journal of Economic Perspectives
vol. 16, no. 2, Spring 2002
(pp. 89–106)
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Abstract

This paper considers how biological evolution shaped the elements of a simple but complete model of economic decision making. These elements are preferences, beliefs and rationality. Whereas Nature might impose preferences over consumption on the individual, Nature might optimally allow beliefs to be influenced by local knowledge and final choice to be flexible. This reinforces the usual approach. On the one hand, evolution also suggests that some extensions of this model are implausible; on the other, it suggests unexpected directions of generalization. In any case, evolution provides a basis for an overarching economic theory and maintains restrictions on this theory.

Citation

Robson, Arthur, J. 2002. "Evolution and Human Nature." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 16 (2): 89–106. DOI: 10.1257/0895330027274

JEL Classification

  • B52 Current Heterodox Approaches: Institutional; Evolutionary
  • D10 Household Behavior: General
  • D80 Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty: General
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