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Doing the right thing (or not) in a lemons-like situation: on the role of social preferences and Kantian moral concerns

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  • Ingela Alger
  • Jos'e Ignacio Rivero-Wildemauwe

Abstract

We conduct a laboratory experiment using framing to assess the willingness to ``sell a lemon'', i.e., to undertake an action that benefits self but hurts the other (the ``buyer''). We seek to disentangle the role of other-regarding preferences and (Kantian) moral concerns, and to test if it matters whether the decision is described in neutral terms or as a market situation. When evaluating an action, morally motivated individuals consider what their own payoff would be if -- hypothetically -- the roles were reversed and the other subject chose the same action (universalization). We vary the salience of role uncertainty, thus varying the ease for participants to envisage the role-reversal scenario.

Suggested Citation

  • Ingela Alger & Jos'e Ignacio Rivero-Wildemauwe, 2024. "Doing the right thing (or not) in a lemons-like situation: on the role of social preferences and Kantian moral concerns," Papers 2405.13186, arXiv.org.
  • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2405.13186
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    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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