Revealing altruism

Nancy Folbre; Robert E. Goodin

doi:10.1080/0034676042000183808

Revealing altruism

Nancy Folbre, Robert E. Goodin

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The traditional neoclassical economic view that preferences are “inscrutable” and can only be revealed through behavior would, if true, make it difficult for altruists to make efficient decisions. We question whether altruism should be defined as a preference that can be revealed, or indeed, as a preference at all. One alternative is to treat altruism as a disposition that can be strengthened or weakened by social institutions.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1-25
Number of pages	25
Journal	Review of Social Economy
Volume	62
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/0034676042000183808
Publication status	Published - Mar 2004

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10.1080/0034676042000183808

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Revealing altruism

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