Abstract
In this chapter, we consider the results of an experiment in which subjects had deviated systematically from the pursuit and maximization of personal gain. We hypothesize that these departures from self-seeking behaviour are caused by one or more of the following factors: (a) Parity (also known as inequality aversion): in choosing among actions, individuals may be attempting to promote equality of outcomes, even at the cost of some reduction in unilateral personal gain; (b) Sympathy (also known as altruism): in choosing among actions, individuals may be taking into account not only their own unilateral gains (or losses) but also the gains (or losses) of others; (c) Reciprocity: in choosing among actions, individuals may be motivated, to some extent, by a desire to apply measure for measure - that is, to reward kindness and unkindness in like manner.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Advances in Understanding Strategic Behaviour |
| Subtitle of host publication | Game Theory, Experiments and Bounded Rationality |
| Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan |
| Pages | 298-313 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780230523371 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781403941527 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jan 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© Palgrave Macmillan, a division of Macmillan Publishers Limited 2004.