The Economics of Sin: Rational Choice or No Choice at All?

by Samuel Cameron

Overview

The Economics of Sin examines the definition and evolution of sin from the perspective of rational choice economics, yet is conscious of the limitations of such an approach. The author argues that because engaging in activities deemed to be sinful is an act of choice, it can therefore be subject to the logic of choice in the economic model.

The book considers the formation of religions, including the new age revival of 'wicca', as regulators of the quasi-market in sins, and goes on to appraise the role of specific sins such as lying, envy, jealousy, greed, lust, sloth, and waste in individual markets and in macroeconomic activity. Empirical evidence on issues such as cannibalism, capital punishment, addiction, adultery and prostitution is also explored. Samuel Cameron concludes that a large percentage of economic activity is intimately connected with forms of sin which are in some circumstances highly beneficial to the functioning of markets, particularly in the presence of market failure.

This innovative, interdisciplinary study of the institution of sin will be of enormous interest to a wide-ranging readership, including researchers and teachers of economics, sociology and theology. It will also be of importance for anthropologists and philosophers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781840648676
Publisher:	Edward Elgar Publishing
Publication date:	01/27/2003
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Samuel Cameron, formerly Professor of Economics, University of Bradford, UK

Table of Contents

Contents: Part I: 1. Introduction 2. Tools of the Trade: Rational Choice 3. Religion Part II: 4. Greed, Lust, Sloth and Waste 5. Envy and Jealousy 6. Lies and Deceit Part III: 7. Matters of Life and Death 8. Addiction 9. Adultery 10. Prostitution 11. Conclusion Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

'The Economics of Sin is a timely work, a bold and engaging - though controversial - journey into territory where there is much to be done but most modern economists still fear to tread. . . It makes a useful contribution to the discipline, and should force any reader to grapple with some fairly deep questions that, until recently, lay nearly dormant in the economics literature.'

Joseph G. Eisenhauer

'It is a remarkable book and presages what might have been called "the economics of the Bible". The author very successfully invokes the arguments of economics and blends them with theology.'

John Brewer

'This is a fascinating book. Readers will be surprised to discover the lengths to which the Von Neumann-Morgenstern, Becker, Lancaster and Knight models of rational choice can be applied to all forms of sinful behaviour. . . This volume is an interesting read and will be of interest to lecturers and students alike.'

Marcus Ling

'The Economics of Sin is a timely work, a bold and engaging - though controversial - journey into territory where there is much to be done but most modern economists still fear to tread. . . It makes a useful contribution to the discipline, and should force any reader to grapple with some fairly deep questions that, until recently, lay nearly dormant in the economics literature.'

'Replete with bounteous references and superb reviews of the literature at every turn, this is a splendid book for economists, other social scientists, and academic scholars. Highly recommended.'

From the Publisher