Polarization and Worries around Migration
Populism, right-wing voting and with it worries about migration have been increasing in almost all western countries in recent years. Part of the reason is likely connected to what is commonly mentioned in public debate: housing, cost, cultural differences, etc.. But, is that really enough for the debate to be as polarized as it often is? Or could it be that other, more subtle worries drive the debate and contribute to the unwillingness to listen to one another? What could be the source of such worries and how can we get back to a more rational debate – as an economist, I of course love rationality 🙃
Psychology of Decision Making / Behavioural Economics
The common model of (micro-) economics is based on a rational agent. Obviously, much of life is less rational than the model would suggest if taken literally. So, how do circumstances, psychological factors (identity, emotions, etc.) influence individual decision making?
Philosophy of Science (Economics)
What do we (really) know or believe to know and why? How can we learn from models that make assumptions we already know are not literally true of anything? What is causality and how can we reasonably judge if some correlation may be causal based on data?
Game Theory / Bounded Rationality
Modelling behaviour in strategic interactions. What are reasonable models of bounded rationality (understood as limitations to rationality not as psychologically driven interferences)?
Seminar on Human Behaviour
Together with the members of my chair, I organise an online seminar on human behaviour. You can finde more information (list of speakers, topics, dates) here. If you want to join, please just drop me a note!