top of page

Jon Elster

2016

Jon Elster wins the 2016 Johan Skytte Prize for “for incisive, penetrating, and unceasing drive to examine and reexamine that which explains human behavior.”

The Norwegian philosopher and political theorist won the Johan Skytte Prize in 2016. With a background as a scholar in both Europe and the US, Elster is today Robert K. Merton Professor Emeritus of the Social Sciences.

Elster's pioneering research has explored the roles of rationality and irrationality in human behavior, the impact of social norms, and the interplay between emotions and decision-making. His influential works, including "Ulysses and the Sirens," "Sour Grapes," and "The Cement of Society," have significantly shaped contemporary political science.

Prize Laureate illustration

Illustration by Anna Ileby

Johan Skytte Prize

in Political Science

The Johan Skytte chair in Political Science and Eloquence is highly likely the world’s oldest active professorship in political science. The original donation made in 1622 continues to finance research and the Johan Skytte Prize. The prize money of SEK 500,000 is awarded every year by the Johan Skytte Foundation in Uppsala to those who made most valuable contributions to political science.

Contact

The Johan Skytte Foundation

Valvgatan 4

753 10 Uppsala

Sweden

markus.sjolen@statsvet.uu.se

+46 73-656 88 03

Organisation no: 817603-3028

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Main website photographer Mikael Wallerstedt

Main website illustrator Anna Ileby

Website designer Tove Hellkvist

bottom of page