Evolutionary model of folk economics: That which is seen, and that which is not seen?. (30th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stastny, Dan; Houdek, Petr
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 41(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-08-30
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X18000547
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: Although Boyer & Petersen (B&P) make the case for evolutionary roots of folk economics stronger, their evolutionary model ultimately does not deliver folk-economic explanations that are both novel and correct. We argue that (a) most current explanations are evolutionary already; (b) B&P's model is as ad hoc as other theories, and proves too much; and (c) it overrates evolution at the cost of discounting other crucial factors.