How can we overcome the inconsistencies among the behavioral sciences in dealing with human social behavior?
Results/Conclusions
The various behavioral disciplines model human behavior in distinct and
incompatible ways. Yet, recent theoretical and empirical developments have
created the conditions for rendering coherent the areas of overlap of the
various behavioral disciplines, as outlined in this paper. The analytical
tools deployed in this task incorporate core principles from several
behavioral disciplines. The proposed framework recognizes evolutionary
theory, covering both genetic and cultural evolution, as the integrating
principle of behavioral science. Moreover, if decision theory and game theory
are broadened to encompass non-self-regarding preferences, they become
capable of contributing to the modeling of all aspects of decision making,
including those normally considered ``psychological,'' ``sociological'' or
``anthropological.'' The mind as a decision-making organ then becomes the
organizing principle of psychology.
