Solving Social Dilemmas: Ethics, Politics, and Prosperity

In his book "Solving Social Dilemmas," Roger Congleton argues that the internalization of rules of conduct is necessary for the development of prosperous commercial societies. He supports this claim with an intellectual and analytical history of the emergence of commercial societies in the West and uses elementary game theory to review a few dozen social, economic, and political dilemmas that need to be solved. The book shows that ethical dispositions are likely to play important roles in solutions to all the problems examined and that some ethical systems include rules that support the development of extended market networks, specialization, and innovation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 488 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In his book "Solving Social Dilemmas," Roger Congleton delves into the intricate relationship between ethical dispositions and the development of prosperous commercial societies. Congleton posits that the success of these societies hinges on the ability to address a multitude of social, economic, and political challenges effectively. He suggests that the most promising solutions involve the internalization of rules of conduct that directly influence individual behavior and ultimately impact group outcomes.

While previous foundational texts emphasize the role of institutions in resolving social dilemmas, Congleton focuses on a pre-institutional solution: the internalization of principles and rules that shape individual behavior. He supports his argument with an intellectual and analytical history of the emergence of commercial societies in the West. Through the use of elementary game theory, Congleton examines a selection of social, economic, and political dilemmas that must be resolved for prosperous societies to thrive. He demonstrates that ethical dispositions play a crucial role in finding solutions to these problems, and arguably to many more.

Congleton does not argue that commercial networks solely arise from ethical or unethical behavior. Instead, he points out that certain ethical systems contain rules that foster the growth of extended market networks, specialization, and innovation. To substantiate his claim, the book traces how the increasing support of commerce in ethical theories during the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries contributed to the great acceleration and the establishment of the first truly commercial societies.

By combining substantive theoretical work with a comprehensive analysis of centuries of ethical writings, "Solving Social Dilemmas" unveils the profound influence of ethical dispositions on the development of commercial societies. The book demonstrates that ethical principles and rules play a vital role in shaping individual behavior, fostering collaboration, and promoting economic growth. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in understanding the dynamics of social and economic development.

Weight: 822g
Dimension: 243 x 162 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197642788