On the Nature of Norms: Biology, Morality, and the Disruption of Order

32 Pages Posted: 9 Jan 2001

See all articles by Owen D. Jones

Owen D. Jones

Vanderbilt University - Law School & Dept. of Biological Sciences

Abstract

This essay discusses the legal implications of bio-behavioral underpinnings to norms, morality, and economic order. It first discusses the recent book "The Great Disruption: Human Nature and the Reconstitution of Social Order," in which Francis Fukuyama explores the importance of evolved human nature to the reconstruction of social order and a thriving economy. It then addresses the extent to which we can usefully view law-relevant norms as products of evolutionary - as well as economic - processes.

Keywords: law and economics, norms, morality, economic order, biology, evolution

JEL Classification: K00, D60, H00

Suggested Citation

Jones, Owen D., On the Nature of Norms: Biology, Morality, and the Disruption of Order. Michigan Law Review, Vol. 98, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=248391 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.248391

Owen D. Jones (Contact Author)

Vanderbilt University - Law School & Dept. of Biological Sciences ( email )

131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-1181
United States

HOME PAGE: http://law.vanderbilt.edu/bio/owen-jones

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