Book Reviews

Abstract

Charles Sprenger of Stanford University reviews “Individuals and Identity in Economics” by John B. Davis. The EconLit abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Examines the nature and different directions of development in thinking about the human individual in recent economics. Discusses the individual in economics; psychology's challenge to economics--rationality and the individual; multiple selves and self-control--contextualizing individuality; social identity and social preferences in the utility function; the individual in game theory--from fixed points to experiments; multiple selves in interaction- -teams and neuroscience; evolution and the individual--identity through change; evolution and capabilities--human heterogeneity; the identity of individuals and the economics of identity; and economic policy, democracy, and justice. Davis is Professor and Chair of History and Philosophy of Economics at the University of Amsterdam, Professor of Economics at Marquette University, and Fellow at the Tinbergen Institute. Index.”