<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:taxo="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/taxonomy/" version="2.0">
  <channel>
    <title>EconStor Collection: Papers on Economics and Evolution, MPI für Ökonomik</title>
    <link>http://hdl.handle.net/10419/39</link>
    <description />
    <textInput>
      <title>The Collection's search engine</title>
      <description>Search the Channel</description>
      <name>search</name>
      <link>http://www.econstor.eu/simple-search</link>
    </textInput>
    <item>
      <title>Stochastic games with endogenous transitions</title>
      <link>http://hdl.handle.net/10419/57574</link>
      <description>Title: Stochastic games with endogenous transitions
&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;Authors: Joosten, Reinoud; Meijboom, Robin
&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;Abstract: We introduce a stochastic game in which transition probabilities depend on the history of the play, i.e., the players' past action choices. To solve this new type of game under the limiting average reward criterion, we determine the set of jointly-convergent pure-strategy rewards which can be supported by equilibria involving threats. We examine the following setting for motivational and expository purposes. Each period, two agents exploiting a fishery choose between catching with restraint or without. The fish stock is in either of two states, High or Low, and in the latter each action pair yields lower payoffs. Restraint is harmless to the fish, but it is a dominated strategy in each stage game. Absence of restraint damages the resource, i.e., the less restraint the agents show, the higher the probablities that Low occurs at the next stage of the play. This state may even become absorbing, i.e., transitions to High become impossible.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:58:59 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pursuing happiness</title>
      <link>http://hdl.handle.net/10419/57573</link>
      <description>Title: Pursuing happiness
&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;Authors: Schubert, Christian
&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;Abstract: While research on subjective well-being abounds, comparatively little thought has been given to its practical policy implications. Two approaches to derive policy advice have emerged in the literature: One is organized in terms of the idea to maximize a hedonic social welfare function, the other focuses on the design of constitutional rules to facilitate the individuals' self-determined pursuit of happiness. We suggest to substantiate what it means to pursue happiness, in particular by drawing upon a psychologically informed account of preference learning. If extended in this direction, a notion of the pursuit of happiness has interesting practical policy implications.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:58:59 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Will imitators follow pioneer consumers in the adoption of solar thermal systems? Empirical evidence for North-West Germany</title>
      <link>http://hdl.handle.net/10419/57572</link>
      <description>Title: Will imitators follow pioneer consumers in the adoption of solar thermal systems? Empirical evidence for North-West Germany
&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;Authors: Wörsdorfer, Julia Sophie; Kaus, Wolfhard
&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;Abstract: In Germany, solar thermal systems (STS) have only diffused to a minor extent yet. This paper analyzes, which demand side factors are decisive for the further proliferation of this environmentally benign technology. Making use of a consumer survey in North-West Germany in 2007, we examine the following parameters: positive environmental attitude, knowledge of the applicability of STS to satisfy consumer needs, and the presence of STS among peer consumers. Drawing upon theoretical foundations from innovation economics and evolutionary consumer theory, we posit that these variables play a different role at distinct stages of the product's diffusion process. Among nonowners, concrete plans to purchase a system within the subsequent two years are distinguished from the general interest to invest into this technology within the next five years. Probitmodels are estimated to test our hypotheses. Our results do not indicate a strong take-off of product diffusion within the next years. By generating interest for the product, knowledge and environmental attitude as well as household income are important determinants of prospective adoptions on the part of the potential imitators. However, only the behavior of peers appears to act as a trigger to the diffusion of this technology.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:58:59 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Normative foundations for well-being policy</title>
      <link>http://hdl.handle.net/10419/57571</link>
      <description>Title: Normative foundations for well-being policy
&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;Authors: Haybron, Daniel M.; Tiberius, Valerie
&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;Abstract: This paper examines the normative principles that should guide policies aimed at promoting happiness or, more broadly, well-being. After arguing that well-being policy is both legitimate and necessary, we lay out a case for pragmatic subjectivism: given widely accepted principles of respect for persons, well-being policy may not assume any view of well-being, subjectivist or objectivist. Rather it should promote what its intended beneficiaries see as good for them: pleasure for hedonists, excellence for Aristotelians, etc. Specifically, well-being policy should promote citizens' personal welfare values: those values - and not mere preferences - that individuals' see as bearing on their well-being. We suggest a variety of means for determining what people value, but conclude that there is no canonical means of doing this: there will often be some indeterminacy about what people value. Finally, we consider how pragmatic subjectivism works in practice, arguing that headline measures of well-being should include subjective well-being - given that it is so widely and deeply valued - and perhaps other values as well.</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:58:59 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>

