Rationalizing the Irrational. The Principle of Relative Maximization from Sociobiology to Economics and Its Implications for Ethics

Mircea Boari

No DR 07004, ESSEC Working Papers from ESSEC Research Center, ESSEC Business School

Abstract: Starting with the concept of “rational maximizing individual”, a meta-construct with foundational value in economics and, in general, in human sciences, the paper delineates the territory of an ethics of rationality. It does this by taking fulcrum in findings from evolutionary theory, in particular those regarding spiteful behavior. The paper formulates the principle of “differential fitness maximization”, as expression of relative maximization of fitness and derives its consequences, among which, a core set of normative propositions grounding the said ethics. Thus, the paper strengthens the backbone of the Western philosophical tradition which, in essence, always associated ethical conduct with reason and individualism.

Keywords: Evolutionary Ethics; Fitness; Normative Ethics; Rational Maximization; Spite (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A19 B52 C73 D01 P00 Z19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 44 pages
Date: 2007-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cbe, nep-evo, nep-hpe, nep-neu and nep-upt
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