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On an Evolutionary Foundation of Neuroeconomics

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  • Burkhard C. Schipper

    (Department of Economics, University of California Davis)

Abstract

Neuroeconomics focuses on brain imaging studies mapping neural responses to choice behavior. Economic theory is concerned with choice behavior but it is silent on neural activities. We present a game theoretic model in which players are endowed with an additional structure - a simple ``nervous system'' - and interact repeatedly in changing games. The nervous system constrains information processing functions and behavioral functions. By reinterpreting results from evolutionary game theory (Germano, 2007), we suggest that nervous systems can develop to ``function well'' in exogenously changing strategic environments. We present an example indicating that an analogous conclusion fails if players can influence endogenously their environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Burkhard C. Schipper, 2008. "On an Evolutionary Foundation of Neuroeconomics," Working Papers 121, University of California, Davis, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:cda:wpaper:121
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Narges TALEBIMOTLAGH & Farzad HASHEMZADEH & Amir RIKHTEHGAR GHIASI & Sehraneh GHAEMI, 2017. "A Novel Method of Modeling Dynamic Evolutionary Game with Rational Agents for Market Forecasting," ECONOMIC COMPUTATION AND ECONOMIC CYBERNETICS STUDIES AND RESEARCH, Faculty of Economic Cybernetics, Statistics and Informatics, vol. 51(1), pages 281-302.
    2. Franco Ruzzenenti & Andreas A. Papandreou, 2015. "Effects of fossil fuel prices on the transition to a low-carbon economy," Working papers wpaper89, Financialisation, Economy, Society & Sustainable Development (FESSUD) Project.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Neuroeconomic Theory; Evolutionary Game Theory; Learning in Games; Neuroeconomic Theory; Evolutionary Game Theory; Learning in Games;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General

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