1. Remarks on Economics as Evolutionary Science
Ted Bergstrom, UCSB

2. Prelude: Economics as Evolutionary Science
Economists have been unwitting creationists
Theory takes axiomatic approach to description of human nature
Axioms are typically quite arbitrarily selected
Platonic rationality
Behavioral this or that

3. Will Darwinian thinking change economics?
I am betting that it will– and that this will engage economics much more deeply in the other biological and social sciences.

4. Central Features of Evolutionary Economics
Evolution of Fundamental Preferences
Selfishness vs altruism
Concern for relatives
Time Preference
Attitudes toward risk
Evolution of rationality itself
Evolution of institutions and beliefs—cultural evolution
Group selection versus individual selection

5. Evolutionary Economics of the Family
There is selection for behavior that maximizes reproductive success.
Broadly true whether transmission is genetic or cultural
Marital institutions
Inheritance and support of the elderly
Fraternal cooperation, sibling rivalry, parent-offspring conflict