New Book "Optimally Irrational" - A Fresh Evolutionary Perspective on Behavioural Economics
Lionel Page
Dear members of the LEG community,
In case you have not already seen it, I am pleased to inform you of the recent publication of my book, "Optimally Irrational", which offers a comprehensive and fresh perspective on behavioural economics, blending insights from economic theory, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology. This book challenges the traditional view of behavioural biases as flaws and investigates how they frequently represent effective solutions to the problems we face. It fits within a renewed interest in behavioural economics for adaptive explanations of human cognition.
"Optimally Irrational" should be of interest to members of the LEG community as it offers an evolutionary grounded perspective on the main results of behavioural economics. The book is written in a clear, accessible style and can also serve as support material for courses in behavioural economics.
The book has received praise from renowned scholars, such as Ken Binmore, Peter Bossaerts, Itzhak Gilboa, David Hirshleifer, and Peter Wakker who have commended the book for its clarity and depth in treating its subject. You can learn more about the book and read their testimonials on the Cambridge University Press website:
https://www.cambridge.org/9781009209205
For those who are interested in obtaining a copy, I have arranged with Cambridge University Press to offer a 30% discount. Simply use the QR code provided below when placing your order.
If you do decide to explore its contents, I will welcome the opportunity for engaging in discussions about the ideas presented.
Best wishes,
Lionel Page
University of Queensland
Matthijs van Veelen
Hi everyone,
The 2023 conference on Learning, Evolution and Games (LEG 2023) will take place in Amsterdam from August 30 to September 1, 2023.
The conference is intended to bring together researchers who are interested in the evolutionary foundations of economic and social behavior, evolutionary game theory, and learning in games. We welcome submissions from anyone working in these areas, both theoretical and experimental/empirical work. We aim for a small conference (less than 30 speakers) with no parallel sessions, where meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas can take place.
Keynote speakers
Our keynote speakers this year are Louise Barrett, Sarah Brosnan, and Robert Frank. While many in the LEG community live in economics departments, we share interests with other disciplines, and having an evolutionary psychologists, a primatologist, and an economist as keynote speakers reflects that. Submissions from people working in all disciplines with shared interests are obviously welcome.
Submissions
Submissions should take the form of a research paper in pdf format sent to leg2023a...@gmail.com.The deadline for submission is June 15, 2023. We may also consider submissions in the form of an extended abstract in case authors are unable to submit a full paper. Authors will be notified of decision by June 30, 2023 at the latest.
Hybrid & Carbon footprint
Because carbon emissions are a public bad, and all paths to saving the planet go through a substantial reduction in air travel, this conference will be hybrid. Those that come by train, bus, or bike -- typcially living closer to Amsterdam -- are welcome to attend the workshop in person, and those that cannot come by train, bus, or bike are welcome online. The Hybrid Learning Theatre at the University of Amsterdam was developed during COVID, and is designed to facilitate interaction for a mix of in person and online participants.
Costs & financial support
There are no participation fees. Those that attend in person are expected to cover their travel costs, but they will be offered accommodation close to the conference venue. The cost of such accommodation as well as the costs of lunches, coffee breaks and social dinner will be covered by the organizers. Partial cover of travel expenses will be considered for early-career presenters.
Past Editions
LEG2023 is the fifth edition. The first conference, LEG2018, took place at Lund University, Sweden, LEG2019 at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, LEG2021 was held entirely online, LEG 2022 was held at IMT Lucca, Italy.
Looking forward to seeing you in Amsterdam, and feel free to forward this announcement to all interested parties!
Matthijs, on behalf of the LEG community