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An experimental investigation of Hobbesian jungles

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Author Info
Powell, Benjamin
Wilson, Bart J.

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Abstract

Hobbes's state of nature serves as the analytical starting point for much of what economists have written on anarchy and the formation of government. Unfortunately little historical evidence exists about how men behaved in a "state of nature", if such a situation ever even existed. We conducted a laboratory experiment to create a Hobbesian state of nature and observe the level of economic efficiency subjects achieve. We also investigate Buchanan's conjecture that people would unanimously agree to a social contract against theft.

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File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V8F-4MY0MCJ-4/1/c57610a7cd475e35d226bb0418648956
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Publisher Info
Article provided by Elsevier in its journal Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization.

Volume (Year): 66 (2008)
Issue (Month): 3-4 (June)
Pages: 669-686
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Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:66:y:2008:i:3-4:p:669-686

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  1. Benjamin Powell & Edward Stringham, 2009. "Public choice and the economic analysis of anarchy: a survey," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 140(3), pages 503-538, September. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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