Evolution and Rationality: Decisions, Co-Operation and Strategic Behaviour (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781107416840)

This volume explores from multiple perspectives the subtle and interesting relationship between the theory of rational choice and Darwinian evolution. In rational choice theory, agents are assumed to make choices that maximize their utility; in evolution, natural selection 'chooses' between phenotypes according to the criterion of fitness maximization. So there is a parallel between utility in rational choice theory and fitness in Darwinian theory. This conceptual link between fitness and utility is mirrored by the interesting parallels between formal models of evolution and rational choice. The essays in this volume, by leading philosophers, economists, biologists and psychologists, explore the connection between evolution and rational choice in a number of different contexts, including choice under uncertainty, strategic decision making and pro-social behaviour. They will be of interest to students and researchers in philosophy of science, evolutionary biology, economics and psychology.

Author: Samir Okasha
ISBN-10: 1107416841
ISBN-13: 9781107416840
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 06/12/2014
Pages: 292
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.87lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.61d