Multiple-Self Models in Neuroeconomics - A Methodological Critique

ICER Working Paper No. 7/2012

20 Pages Posted: 18 Sep 2012

See all articles by Marco Stimolo

Marco Stimolo

CSEF - University of Naples Federico II

Date Written: September 2012

Abstract

The idea of multiple-self models in economics is that individual identity is the equilibrium result of the strategic interaction between sub-personal selves. These models fill the gap of standard rational choice theory in explaining inter-temporal inconsistency of choices. This modelling procedure requires an extension of revealed preference theory to the sub-personal level. This extension is grounded in the assumption that sub-personal selves are economic agents to whom analytical tools of microeconomics apply. I claim that this assumption is false and entails the empirical methodology of functional localization that fails to provide robust results.

Keywords: multiple-self, rationality, as if, functional localization, robustness

Suggested Citation

Stimolo, Marco, Multiple-Self Models in Neuroeconomics - A Methodological Critique (September 2012). ICER Working Paper No. 7/2012, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2148340 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2148340

Marco Stimolo (Contact Author)

CSEF - University of Naples Federico II ( email )

Corso Umberto I, 40
Napoli, 80138
Italy

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
128
Abstract Views
1,068
Rank
399,871
PlumX Metrics