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A few can do – Ethical behavior and the provision of public goods in an agent-based model

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  • Michael Pickhardt

Abstract

In this paper I examine the influence which a population of different behavioral types may have on the provision of public goods. In particular, the population or subject pool consists of three behavioral types: myopic selfish agents, enlightened selfish agents and ethically motivated agents. I use a simple agent-based simulation approach that incorporates type interaction based on forward-looking conditional cooperation within a standard linear public goods model. Among other things, I show that under the given circumstances non-provision of public goods is a negligible issue, even if the share of ethically motivated types in the population is rather small.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Pickhardt, "undated". "A few can do – Ethical behavior and the provision of public goods in an agent-based model," Working Papers 201037, Institute of Spatial and Housing Economics, Munster Universitary.
    • Handle: RePEc:muc:wpaper:201037
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rachel T. A. Croson, 2007. "Theories Of Commitment, Altruism And Reciprocity: Evidence From Linear Public Goods Games," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 45(2), pages 199-216, April.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Linear Public Goods Games; Conditional Cooperation; Ethical Behavior; Agentbased Modeling; Pareto-optimality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C15 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Statistical Simulation Methods: General
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values

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