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On the Evolution of Altruism

Author

Listed:
  • Stark, Oded

    (Department of Economics, University of Oslo)

Abstract

We demonstrate how altruism can flourish in a population of nonaltruists. We assume that each individual plays a one-shot prisoner's dilemma game with his or her sibling and that the probability than an individual survives to reproduce is proportional to his or her payoff in this game. We model the formation of couples and the rule of imitation of parents and of nonparents. We then ask what happens to the proportion of altruists in the population. We specify a case where the unique and stable equilibrium is one in which the entire population will consist of altruists.

Suggested Citation

  • Stark, Oded, 1997. "On the Evolution of Altruism," Economics Series 46, Institute for Advanced Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ihs:ihsesp:46
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    File URL: https://irihs.ihs.ac.at/id/eprint/1294
    File Function: First version, 1997
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    Cited by:

    1. Juan Camilo Cárdenas, 2009. "Experiments in Environment and Development," Annual Review of Resource Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 1(1), pages 157-182, September.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Altruism; Evolution; Imitation; Equilibrium;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • D00 - Microeconomics - - General - - - General

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