Suchergebnisse

AbstractThis paper in honor of Hans Albert '@100' seeks to show how adhering to critical rationalist 'economic philosophy' avoids contradictions in James Buchanan's contractarianism: restricting constitutional economic advice to what serves the ends of all potential addressees simultaneously Buchanan not only blurs the borderline between value-neutral economic philosophy and substantive moral philosophy but also contradicts his thesis of the "necessary relativism and individualism of values". Translating 'means-ends'-relations into technological 'cause-effect'-relations, Albert can treat technological blueprints as nomological hypotheses subject to scientific test and corroboration while leaving their practical implementation to citizens whose contingent particular ends may or may not be universalistic.

Relying on the specific example of ultimatum bargaining experiments this paper explores the possible role of empirical knowledge of behavioural 'norm(ative) facts' within the search for (W)RE - (Wide) Reflective Equilibria on normative issues. Assuming that 'pro-social' behaviour 'reveals' moral orientations, it is argued that these 'norm-facts' can and should be used along with stated preferences in justificatory arguments of normative ethics and economics of the 'means to given ends' variety. At the same time behavioural norm-facts are so heterogeneous that any hopes to reach an inter-personally agreed (W)RE in matters moral seem futile. [Copyright Elsevier B.V.]

Abstract
There is an ever increasing shortage of human organ transplants in Germany. This paper aims at understanding the reasons for that shortage better and then discusses various ways to overcome it. After estimating the potential supply of donor organs it is discussed why actual supply remains far below potential supply. Insufficient reimbursement for hospitals, a lack of incentives to donate, and mistaken donation rules are diagnosed to cause the shortage. Thus, organ shortage is due not to natural constraints but to inappropriate social institutions. Introducing a presumed consent rule, reciprocity in organ allocation, better payments for hospitals and for donors seem potential remedies.

Abstract
It is argued that a truly Humean approach to social interaction and to normative reflection on how we should interact needs to get even closer to the facts than the Binmore program suggests. In view of the facts Binmore's normative conclusions on bargaining as well as on the nature of the equilibria of the game of life both seem precarious.

Abstract
The main results of our indirect evolutionary approach to trust in large interactions suggest that trustworthiness must be detectable if good conduct in trust-relationships is to survive. According to theoretical reasoning there is a niche then for an organization offering a (possibly) costly service of keeping track of the conduct of participants on the net. We compare traits of an organizational design as suggested by economic reasoning with those that actually emerged and ask whether institutions like eBay will increasingly have to 'economize on virtue' although so far they could rely on its spontaneous provision.