Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Burkhard C. Schipper
Author-Name-First: Burkhard C.
Author-Name-Last: Schipper
Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Economics, University of California Davis
Title: On an Evolutionary Foundation of Neuroeconomics
Abstract: Neuroeconomics focuses on brain imaging studies mapping neural responses to choice behavior. Economic theory is concerned with choice behavior but it is silent on neural activities. We present a game theoretic model in which players are endowed with an additional structure - a simple ``nervous system'' - and interact repeatedly in changing games. The nervous system constrains information processing functions and behavioral functions. By reinterpreting results from evolutionary game theory (Germano, 2007), we suggest that nervous systems can develop to ``function well'' in exogenously changing strategic environments. We present an example indicating that an analogous conclusion fails if players can influence endogenously their environment.
Length: 17
File-URL: https://repec.dss.ucdavis.edu/files/4vEXBfYFbk6BehLipvgsSURN/08-4.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
Number: 121
Classification-JEL: C72, C73, C90, C72, C73, C90
KeyWords: Neuroeconomic Theory, Evolutionary Game Theory, Learning in Games,Neuroeconomic Theory, Evolutionary Game Theory, Learning in Games
Creation-Date: 20080415
Handle: RePEc:cda:wpaper:121