Glenn M. Weaver, M.D. and Mary Ellen Weaver Chair in Law, Brain, and Behavior, Law School
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Research Interests: Owen D. Jones specializes in the intersection of law and behavioral biology. Specifically, he uses methods from brain-imaging (fMRI), evolutionary biology, and behavioral economics to learn more about how the brain’s varied operations affect behaviors relevant to law. His most recent book, Force of Nature: Understanding Evolution’s Deepest Logic – And Putting It to Use, argues that we are prone to make big, extremely consequential mistakes, and to miss important opportunities to improve the human condition, whenever we overlook, underestimate, or misunderstand natural selection. Written for a general audience, it provides examples in the fields of medicine, artificial intelligence, psychology, economics, law, engineering, and agriculture.
Keywords: behavioral biology; neuroscience; evolutionary analysis in law; neurolaw; law; behavioral economics; cognitive biases