Bryan Caplan wrote: > > I'm sure that all of what you says applies to some degree (lower > > IQ, less punishment, etc), but it really comes down to > > biological development. Child brains simply aren't developed > > enough to (a) remember past behavior correctly, (b) connect behavior > > to punishment, (c) calculate risks. > >But children in fact do all of the above. They do them to a lesser and >worse extent, but that is a different matter.
I agree with Bryan; this seems to be an adaptation to the environment of children, not a mistake due to ignorance. Let me propose a signaling story. The young try more to signal to each other that they would be good allies and mates, while the old are already matched more and need to get along. The young need to show that they know how to be and are capable of being cooperative, but they also need to show that they are tough, will defend their allies, etc. Robin Hanson [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hanson.gmu.edu Asst. Prof. Economics, George Mason University MSN 1D3, Carow Hall, Fairfax VA 22030-4444 703-993-2326 FAX: 703-993-2323
