Values and Institutions in Economic Analysis

In this essay, we argue that there is no scientific basis for the assumption that own well-being or command over resources is the exclusive and immutable concern of human individuals. The natural sciences, evolutionary biology in particular, and other social and behavioral sciences, especially evolutionary psychology, suggest that individual human beings may be genetically inclined towards concern not only with their own success in acquiring the resources necessary for thriving and reproducing, but also with the success of off-spring and other kin.