Agricultural Economics Department
Date of this Version
2014
Citation
Cornhusker Economics, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, August 21, 2014
Abstract
This article summarizes our experimental research testing the metaeconomics framework (MEF) and dual-interest theory (DIT), which suggests an im-portant and substantive role for empathy in the design of conservation policy to achieve sustaina-bility (for more detail, see http://agecon-cpanel.unl.edu/lynne/metaecon/Lynneetal2014TragedyCommons.pdf ) MEF and DIT posit that individuals are motivated by two inseparable, yet conflicting interests: self-interest and other (shared with others)-interest. This conflict gets resolved through empathy tem-pering self-interest, resulting in a balanced decision, in which neither of the interests is maximized, but we rather observe sacrifices in both inter-ests. Empathy is based on imagining the struggle of others, on “walking-in-the-shoes-of-others” and, as a result, perhaps joining in sympathy with a shared cause like conservation and sustainability.
Comments
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