Drawing on evolutionary history and the emergent science of human nature, this book argues that humans have an innate sense of fairness. While these impulses can easily be subverted by greed and demagoguery, they can also be harnessed for good. The author brings together the latest findings from the behavioral and biological sciences to propose a new Biosocial Contract including sweeping economic and political reforms based on three principles of fairness--equality, equity, and reciprocity. His conclusion is that the proper response to bank bailouts and financial chicanery isn't to get mad--it's to get fair.

Originally published: 2011.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [225]-237) and index.

Life is unfair The idea of fairness A brief history of (un)fairness Fairness and the science of human nature Human nature and our basic needs

Why capitalism and socialism are unfair Toward a biosocial contract The future of fairness : the fair society Epilogue: What can I do?