Discussion paper

DP5168 The Brain as a Hierarchical Organization

We model the brain as a multi-agent organization. Based on recent neuroscience evidence, we assume that different systems of the brain have different time-horizons and different access to information. Introducing asymmetric information as a restriction on optimal choices generates endogenous constraints in decision-making. In this game played between brain systems, we show the optimality of a self-disciplining rule of the type 'work more today if you want to consume more today' and discuss its behavioural implications for the distribution of consumption over the life-cycle. We also argue that our split-self theory provides 'micro-microfoundations' for discounting and offer testable implications that depart from traditional models with no conflict and exogenous discounting. Last, we analyse a variant in which the agent has salient incentives or biased motivations. The previous rule is then replaced by a simple, non-intrusive precept of the type 'consume what you want, just don't abuse'.

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Citation

Carrillo, J and I Brocas (2005), ‘DP5168 The Brain as a Hierarchical Organization‘, CEPR Discussion Paper No. 5168. CEPR Press, Paris & London. https://cepr.org/publications/dp5168