Rationality and the exploitation of natural resources: a psychobiological conceptual model for sustainability

This article proposes a psychobiological conceptual model that incorporates the vulnerability and exhaustibility of the ecosystem into the notion of rational behavior. After providing a review of relevant literature in economics, psychology and sociology, we analyze the theoretical and practical lim...

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Published inEnvironment, development and sustainability Vol. 27; no. 6; pp. 13167 - 13189
Main Authors Ruiz Serrano, Andres, Musumeci, Andrea, Li, Juan Julie, Ruiz Serrano, Mauricio, Serrano Barquin, Carolina
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.06.2025
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects
Climate
Cognition
Conceptual models
Earth and Environmental Science
Ecology
Economic Geology
Economic Growth
Economics
Ecosystems
Environment
Environmental Economics
Environmental Management
Exploitation
Literature reviews
Morality
Natural resources
Psychology
Rational choice
Rationality
Resource exploitation
Restitution
Sociology
Substitutes
Sustainability
Sustainable Development
Natural resources
General system theory
Progress
Institutional theory
Rationality
Sustainable development
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Summary:This article proposes a psychobiological conceptual model that incorporates the vulnerability and exhaustibility of the ecosystem into the notion of rational behavior. After providing a review of relevant literature in economics, psychology and sociology, we analyze the theoretical and practical limitations of economic rationality under conditions of climate devastation. By employing a logical consequence approach, we describe and broaden the cognitive process of rational choice to include the influence of externalities, institutions, markets, and the ecosystem. We propose two existing constructs as perceptual conditions restraining the rational exploitation of natural resources: restitution and substitution. These constructs are conditioned by the degree of the irreplaceability of materials. Under these premises, we purport that individuals act in a rational manner subject to the extent of restitution and substitution of resources, depending on their perception of economic, environmental, and social risk.
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ISSN:1573-2975
1387-585X
1573-2975
DOI:10.1007/s10668-024-04470-3