Economics through the lens of cultural evolution
Grima, Liam
Grima, Liam
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Abstract
Economics is marred by simple axioms that depict humans as rational maximizers pursuing individual self-interest and incapable of cooperation. Additionally, anything beyond markets is disregarded. This results in a twodimensional portrayal of the ‘economy’ as an autonomous entity, independent of society and the rest of nature, which self-regulates to generate the greatest good for the greatest number of people. However, other disciplines have unequivocally disproven these facile assumptions. Viewing economic activity – the production, allocation, and consumption of goods and services – through the lens of cultural evolution helps explain the diversity of human behaviors and material practices across space and time.
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Graduate
Date
2025-06-03