(Over-)Stylizing Experimental Findings and Theorizing with Sweeping Generality

Rationality, Markets and Morals

Studies at the Intersection of Philosophy and Economics

Rationality, Markets, and Morals: RMM 0 (2009), 239 – 249

(Over-)Stylizing Experimental Findings and Theorizing with Sweeping Generality

Hartmut Kliemt, Vittoria M. Levati, Werner Güth

Abstract

Human decision making is a process guided by different and partly competing motivations that can each dominate behavior and lead to different effects depending on strength and circumstances. ‚Over-stylizing‘ neglects such competing concerns and context-dependence, although it facilitates the emergence of elaborate general theories. We illustrate by examples from social dilemma experiments and inequality aversion theories that sweeping empirical claims should be avoided.

Volume: Rationality, Markets, and Morals: RMM Band 0 (2009)

Journal Information

RMM is an interdisciplinary publication focusing on issues of rationality, market mechanisms, and the experimental method of reasoning into moral subjects. It provides a forum for dialogue between philosophy, economics, and related disciplines, encouraging critical reflection on the foundations and implications of economic processes.