The notion of sympathy is analyzed in the setting of coordination between duopolists and in the setting of the sale of a used car of possibly low quality. In both cases, the analysis suggests a number of empirical regularities concerning the effects of social interaction, physical distance, and...

In opposition to previous studies that used only the image of the bound Odysseus, this paper examines the story of his encounter with the Sirens exegetically to glean specific propositions concerning rational behavior, self-control, and story-telling. These propositions are then tested against...

"Men more easily renounce their interests than their tastes." (Rochefoucauld) Consistency and constancy are hallmarks of Odysseus' behavior with respect to the Sirens. The usual reading is that he is a general model of the way all self-control situations should be handled. The alternative...