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Ken Binmore: Behavioral Scientist

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  • Luciano Andreozzi

    (Universitá degli Studi di Trento)

Abstract

This paper discusses Ken Binmore’s contribution to the debate on other-regarding preferences with reference to his contributions on equilibrium selection in non-cooperative games. We first assess his claim that the experimental evidence in favor of different types of social preferences has been vastly exaggerated. Then, we compare Binmore’s contribution with some recent developments of the literature. We show that recent experimental evidence lends support to his view that subjects’ behavior is mostly driven by a combination of learning and selfishness. From a theoretical point of view, we show that Binmore’s positions foreshadowed what is today known as the Social Heuristic Hypothesis.

Suggested Citation

  • Luciano Andreozzi, 2022. "Ken Binmore: Behavioral Scientist," Homo Oeconomicus: Journal of Behavioral and Institutional Economics, Springer, vol. 39(2), pages 127-144, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:homoec:v:39:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s41412-021-00117-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s41412-021-00117-0
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Other regarding preferences; Game theory; Social heuristics hypothesis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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