The cognitive foundations of cultural diversity in altruistic behaviour

Current explanations of cultural variation in altruistic behaviour (altruistically giving and punishing) appeal to variations in preferences. I will present arguments why variations are better accounted for by assuming that cognitive mechanisms for the management of reputation learn the cultural norms that specify how good collaborators behave.

Date:

Thursday, 2 April, 2009 - 12:30 to 14:00