Evolution and Rationality

Evolution and Rationality Decisions, Co-Operation and Strategic Behaviour

Paperback (06 Dec 2014)

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Publisher's Synopsis

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.

Book information

ISBN: 9781107416840
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Pub date:
Language: English
Number of pages: 292
Weight: 442g
Height: 197mm
Width: 228mm
Spine width: 20mm