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Altruism, Rationality and Morality

In: Ethical Issues in Economics

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  • M. Teresa Lunati

    (Bolton Institute)

Abstract

When looking at the growing interest amongst economists in altruism and its economic implications, one question may quite naturally be raised. Why is so much of economic literature, in more recent years at least, on the one hand, increasingly incorporating altruism into formal analysis and models, while seemingly trying, on the other hand, to ‘discredit’ altruism? This is typically done by, for example, showing that altruism can result in inefficient resource allocations and inefficient outcomes — as in the ‘Samaritan’s dilemma’ context, with the possible (or likely) exploitation of, or ‘free-riding’ on, the altruism of others by selfish individuals; and/or by modelling altruism in a ‘non-altruistic’ manner.1

Suggested Citation

  • M. Teresa Lunati, 1997. "Altruism, Rationality and Morality," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Ethical Issues in Economics, chapter 1, pages 9-19, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-37358-7_2
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230373587_2
    as

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