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Modelling kindness

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  • Dufwenberg, Martin
  • Kirchsteiger, Georg

Abstract

Kindness is an important concept in reciprocity theory, and may matter also for other forms of motivation. We critically compare definitions proposed by Rabin (1993) and by Dufwenberg and Kirchsteiger (2004). Several reasons to prefer the latter definition are highlighted, but also a flaw (discovered by Isoni and Sugden 2018) which we show can be eliminated using a slightly revised definition.

Suggested Citation

  • Dufwenberg, Martin & Kirchsteiger, Georg, 2019. "Modelling kindness," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 228-234.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:167:y:2019:i:c:p:228-234
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2018.07.014
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    Cited by:

    1. Pierpaolo Battigalli & Martin Dufwenberg, 2022. "Belief-Dependent Motivations and Psychological Game Theory," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 60(3), pages 833-882, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Kindness; Reciprocity; Efficient strategies;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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