Dr. Paul Zak (CGU)

Teaching & Research Interests

Macroeconomics, Finance and General Equilibrium Theory, Neuroscience and Economics

Paul J. Zak is Professor of Economics and Department Chair, as well as the founding Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Zak also serves as Professor of Neurology at Loma Linda University Medical Center, and is a Senior Researcher at UCLA. He has degrees in mathematics and economics from San Diego State University, a Ph.D. in economics from University of Pennsylvania, and post-doctoral training in neuroimaging from Harvard. His new book “Moral Markets: The Critical Role of Values in the Economy” appeared in 2008 from Princeton University Press. Professor Zak is credited with the first published use of the term "neuroeconomics" and has been a vanguard in this new discipline that integrates neuroscience and economics. He organized and administers the first doctoral program in neuroeconomics in the world at Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Zak's lab discovered in 2004 that an ancient chemical in our brains, oxytocin, allows us to determine who to trust. This knowledge is being used to understand the basis for modern civilizations and modern economies, improve negotiations, and treat patients with neurologic and psychiatric disorders.

Curriculum Vitae

Bio

Center for Neuroeconomic Studies

Ted Talk

Click below for past qualifiying exams

- 302 Module

- 303 Module

Courses