Hobbesian morality as a market equilibrium

Authors

  • Hernando Grueso Hurtado

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ihe.2012.06.003

Keywords:

Hobbes, Moral, Market, Equilibrium, B10, B13

Abstract

This article is an economic reading of the work of Thomas Hobbes, in an attempt to understand moral behaviors as a result of market equilibriums. The basis is an exchange economy in which the product's price is its opportunity cost. Using Game Theory it is shown how moral behaviors appear before the formation of the State. When the State has been created, strategic behaviors cannot exist and the possibility of perfect competition appears. The General Equilibrium Theory is introduced into this new scenario to show how moral behaviors occur in the hobbesian civil state. As a result, regardless of the presence or absence of the State, moral behaviors in Hobbes constitute market equilibriums motivated by the self desire to trade.

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How to Cite

Grueso Hurtado, H. (2019). Hobbesian morality as a market equilibrium. Investigaciones De Historia Económica, 9(2), 88–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ihe.2012.06.003

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Section

ARTICLES