On the selection and balancing of multiple selfish goals
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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm
Published on: December 9, 2012
Catalina Kopetz1, Wilhelm Hofmann2, Reinout W H J Wiers3
1Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202. catalina.kopetz@wayne.edu http://clasweb.clas.wayne.edu/catalina-kopetz http://www.addiction.umd.edu/CAPERWebSite/CatalinaKopetz.html.
Abstract:
The selfish goal metaphor is interesting and intriguing. It accounts for the idiosyncrasies and inconsistencies in peoples' goal pursuits without invoking free will, self-regulatory, or self-control failures. However, people pursue multiple goals, sometimes simultaneously. We argue that the model proposed in the target article may gain significant theoretical and practical value if the principles underlying goal selection and/or balancing on a moment-to-moment basis are clearly specified and integrated with the notion of the selfish goal.
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