The Evolution of Unpopular Norms and Bullying

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Stephan Hartmann
• Subject Area: Theoretical Philosophy ; Social Psychology, Industrial and Organisational Psychology
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 262814323

Although there is growing research about the relationship between individual and collective rationality, there has been relatively little work investigating the evolution of collectively irrational behavior. The purpose of this project is to employ agent-based models to explain the evolution of norms that are collectively irrational. Unpopular social norms are the most well-known examples, and this project will contribute to the small (but growing) literature on the emergence of unpopular norms. In addition to unpopular norms, the investigators plan to focus on an unexplored application: bullying.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1516: New Frameworks of Rationality
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Conor Mayo-Wilson