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Religion als Anreiz für Kooperation

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  • von der Leyen Victoria

    (Preisträgerin des Max-Weber-Preises für Wirtschaftsethik (Bachelor) 2018 Institut für Ökonomische Bildung, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, DeutschlandDerzeit: Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford, Oxford, Vereinigtes Königreich)

Abstract

Might religion function as an incentive for cooperation? This article defends that religion is an incentive for cooperation from both an evolutionary perspective (based on game-theoretical models) and a philosophical perspective. Religion (defined as god-fearing behavior) can be described as evolutionary advantageous since one refrained from actions perceived as immoral and contrary to God’s will. Under the assumption that god-fearing behavior is equal to cooperative behavior, god-fearing behavior is a corrective for ethical failure. However, even today religion can function as a corrective for ethical failure: religion can dissolve the contrast between morality and self-interest by promoting one’s ability to see an intrinsic value in cooperative, moral behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • von der Leyen Victoria, 2019. "Religion als Anreiz für Kooperation," Journal for Markets and Ethics, Sciendo, vol. 7(1), pages 35-49, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:jmaeth:v:7:y:2019:i:1:p:35-49:n:3
    DOI: 10.2478/jome-2019-0004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    game theory; religion; cooperative behavior; ethics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion

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