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Can Altruism Hinder Cooperation?

Author

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  • Keisuke Nakao

    (College of Business and Economics, University of Hawaii, Hilo)

Abstract

This note considers the effects of altruism on cooperation in the context of a repeated Prisoner's Dilemma. Altruism has two conflicting impacts on cooperation: One is to reduce the temptation for defection the other is to make the future punishment ineffective. The total effect of altruism hinges on the shape of players'' cost functions.

Suggested Citation

  • Keisuke Nakao, 2008. "Can Altruism Hinder Cooperation?," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 4(26), pages 1-6.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-08d70029
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hwang, Sung-Ha & Bowles, Samuel, 2012. "Is altruism bad for cooperation?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 83(3), pages 330-341.

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    JEL classification:

    • D7 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making

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