For the year 2026, the intellectual focus of our international fellows is on "Conflict and Cooperation", a topic that requires trans- and interdisciplinary collaboration more than almost any other.

Prof. Dr. Jorge Peña is an Associate Researcher and Lecturer in Microeconomic Theory at the University of Basel. His work sits at the intersection of evolutionary game theory, behavioral economics, and the study of social cooperation. His talk examines how people sustain cooperation in social dilemmas through indirect reciprocity — the idea that acting generously toward others can build a good reputation, which in turn motivates third parties to cooperate with you. Across various strategic settings, one key principle emerges: moral consistency. Successful moral systems are non-hypocritical — they only judge others positively when those others behave exactly as oneself would. 

Today, Tuesday | 12.15 – 13.45 PM | Forum Basiliense, Spalenberg 65, 4051 Basel, 1st floor