A knowledge curse: how knowledge can reduce human welfare.
R Soc Open Sci
; 11(8): 240358, 2024 Aug.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39113765
ABSTRACT
Greater knowledge is always an advantage for a rational individual. However, this article shows that for a group of rational individuals greater knowledge can backfire, leading to a worse outcome for all. Surprisingly, this can happen even when new knowledge does not mean the discovery of a new action but simply provides a deeper understanding of the interaction at stake. More specifically, enhanced knowledge about the current state of nature may hinder cooperation among purely self-interested individuals. The paper describes this paradoxical possibility-a 'knowledge curse'-and analyses the evolutionary process that occurs if, initially, only a few people have access to the greater knowledge. It concludes with a tentative comment on ways to avert this potential knowledge backlash.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
R Soc Open Sci
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States