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A needed amendment that explains too much and resolves little
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2019
Abstract
Baumard's application of Life History Theory to explain the origins of economic growth is a needed amendment to incentive-based explanations of modern economics. However, even though it is grounded in evolution, the theory does not do enough to specify the relevant evolutionary mechanisms. As such, it accommodates too many alternative historic scenarios, yet remains unable to explain divergent regional patterns of economic growth.
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2019
References
Clark, G. (2007) A farewell to alms: A brief economic history of the world. Princeton University Press.Google Scholar
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Mokyr, J. (2016) A culture of growth: The origins of the modern economy. Princeton University Press.Google Scholar
Taylor, D. R., Aarssen, L. W. & Loehle, C. (1990) On the relationship between r/K selection and environmental carrying capacity: A new habitat templet for plant life history strategies. Oikos 58(2):239–50.Google Scholar
Target article
Psychological origins of the Industrial Revolution
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Author response
Psychological origins of the Industrial Revolution: More work is needed!