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LEVELS OF SELECTION AND METHODOLOGICAL INDIVIDUALISM

Evolutionary Psychology and Economic Theory

ISBN: 978-0-76231-138-5, eISBN: 978-1-84950-294-8

Publication date: 5 January 2005

Abstract

Whitman argues that group selection is consistent with methodological individualism. He begins by defining a weak form of methodological individualism in which agents are not necessarily self-interested or rational and shows that this form is consistent with Sober and Wilson’s model of group selection. However, Sober and Wilson’s group selection is also consistent with a methodological individualism in which the individuals are rational and self-interested, and consistent with individual selection as well. A version of group selection similar to what Hayek may have had in mind when he talked about groups out-competing other groups is presented, however, this is not a version of group selection that is compatible with methodological individualism.

Citation

Gifford, A. (2005), "LEVELS OF SELECTION AND METHODOLOGICAL INDIVIDUALISM", Koppl, R. (Ed.) Evolutionary Psychology and Economic Theory (Advances in Austrian Economics, Vol. 7), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 279-295. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1529-2134(04)07014-0

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited