Evolution, Immigration and Trade

4 Pages Posted: 16 May 2007

See all articles by Paul H. Rubin

Paul H. Rubin

Emory University - Department of Economics

Abstract

This is an op-ed from the May 7, 2007 Washingtonpost.com. I argue that our evolved attitudes and preferences have influences on public policy. I use the example of the international economy - including immigration and trade - to illustrate this argument. Our evolved intuition is for a zero-sum world and when we apply this intuition to these issues counterproductive policies result. We can learn about positive sum interactions, but this must be taught; it is not intuitive. The op-ed is based on my book Darwinian Politics: The Evolutionary Origin of Freedom (Rutgers, 2002) and my paper "Folk Economics" (Southern Economic Journal, 2003).

Keywords: evolution, trade, immigration, folk economics

Suggested Citation

Rubin, Paul H., Evolution, Immigration and Trade. Emory Law and Economics Research Paper No. 07-14, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=986314 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.986314

Paul H. Rubin (Contact Author)

Emory University - Department of Economics ( email )

1350 Main Steet #1703
Sarasota, FL 34236
United States
14049310493 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.economics.emory.edu/Rubi.htm

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