Evolutionary Efficiency and Happiness
From Wikiprogress.org
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Publications|title=Evolutionary Efficiency and Happiness|author=Luis Rayo and Gary S. Becker|organisation=University of Chicago and Hoover Institution|date=2007|type=Journal Article}} | {{Publications|title=Evolutionary Efficiency and Happiness|author=Luis Rayo and Gary S. Becker|organisation=University of Chicago and Hoover Institution|date=2007|type=Journal Article}} | ||
| − | <br> | + | <br> |
== Abstract == | == Abstract == | ||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
We model happiness as a measurement tool used to rank alternative actions. Evolution favors a happiness function that measures the individual’s success in relative terms. The optimal function is based on a time-varying reference point—or performance benchmark—that is updated over time in a statistically optimal way in order to match the individual’s potential. Habits and peer comparisons arise as special cases of such an updating process. This updating also results in a volatile level of happiness that continuously reverts to its long-term mean. Throughout, we draw a parallel with a problem of optimal incentives, which allows us to apply statistical insights from agency theory to the study of happiness. | We model happiness as a measurement tool used to rank alternative actions. Evolution favors a happiness function that measures the individual’s success in relative terms. The optimal function is based on a time-varying reference point—or performance benchmark—that is updated over time in a statistically optimal way in order to match the individual’s potential. Habits and peer comparisons arise as special cases of such an updating process. This updating also results in a volatile level of happiness that continuously reverts to its long-term mean. Throughout, we draw a parallel with a problem of optimal incentives, which allows us to apply statistical insights from agency theory to the study of happiness. | ||
| − | <br> | + | <br> |
== Link to Text == | == Link to Text == | ||
| Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
[http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/516737 Evolutionary Efficiency and Happiness] | [http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/516737 Evolutionary Efficiency and Happiness] | ||
| − | + | <br> | |
| − | + | ||
| − | <br> | + | |
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
| Line 21: | Line 19: | ||
*[[Happiness]] | *[[Happiness]] | ||
| − | <br> | + | <br> |
== Related Progress Initiatives == | == Related Progress Initiatives == | ||
| − | <br> | + | <br> |
[[Category:Publications]] | [[Category:Publications]] | ||
Revision as of 03:27, 26 November 2010
Contents |
Abstract
We model happiness as a measurement tool used to rank alternative actions. Evolution favors a happiness function that measures the individual’s success in relative terms. The optimal function is based on a time-varying reference point—or performance benchmark—that is updated over time in a statistically optimal way in order to match the individual’s potential. Habits and peer comparisons arise as special cases of such an updating process. This updating also results in a volatile level of happiness that continuously reverts to its long-term mean. Throughout, we draw a parallel with a problem of optimal incentives, which allows us to apply statistical insights from agency theory to the study of happiness.
Link to Text
Evolutionary Efficiency and Happiness
See Also
Related Progress Initiatives
