The economics and evolution of heroic behavior
This study uses a simulation model to explore the causes of ‘extreme civil heroism’: risking one’s life to help a stranger. The model uses a mixture of traditional economic thinking (based on rational self-interest) and human behavioral ecology (based on natural selection). Simulated agents choose b...
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
General Association of Economists from Romania
2023-09-01
|
| Series: | Theoretical and Applied Economics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
http://store.ectap.ro/articole/1674.pdf
|
| Summary: | This study uses a simulation model to explore the causes of ‘extreme civil heroism’:
risking one’s life to help a stranger. The model uses a mixture of traditional economic thinking
(based on rational self-interest) and human behavioral ecology (based on natural selection).
Simulated agents choose between two competing communities (one with heroism and one without)
by maximizing expected utility. Which community thrives is observed. Labor productivity, risk
tolerance, perspectives on death, emergency response training and accident probability are
analyzed as drivers of heroic community success. A preliminary assessment of the model is
conducted using data from Eastern Europe. Avenues for future research are described. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1841-8678 1844-0029 |