What ethics can learn from experimental economics -- If anything

Werner Güth () and Hartmut Kliemt

European Journal of Political Economy, 2010, vol. 26, issue 3, 302-310

Abstract: Relying on the specific example of ultimatum bargaining experiments this paper explores the possible role of empirical knowledge of behavioural "norm(ative) facts" within the search for (W)RE -- (Wide) Reflective Equilibria on normative issues. Assuming that "pro-social" behaviour "reveals" moral orientations, it is argued that these "norm-facts" can and should be used along with stated preferences in justificatory arguments of normative ethics and economics of the "means to given ends" variety. At the same time behavioural norm-facts are so heterogeneous that any hopes to reach an inter-personally agreed (W)RE in matters moral seem futile.

Keywords: Meta-ethics; Experimental; economics; "; Methods; of; ethics"; (null); Reflective; equilibrium (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Working Paper: What Ethics Can Learn From Experimental Economics - If Anything (2008)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:poleco:v:26:y:2010:i:3:p:302-310

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