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Axiomatic theories of utilitarianism and weak utilitarianism

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  • Mori, Osamu

Abstract

We study axiomatic theories of utilitarianism and weak utilitarianism introducing new axioms we call monotonicity, strict monotonicity, and strong monotonicity with respect to individual utility differences. Utilitarianism is characterized by anonymity and strong monotonicity, and weak utilitarianism is implied by strong Pareto, anonymity, and monotonicity, or anonymity and strict monotonicity.

Suggested Citation

  • Mori, Osamu, 2015. "Axiomatic theories of utilitarianism and weak utilitarianism," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 59-61.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:137:y:2015:i:c:p:59-61
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2015.10.019
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Claude D'Aspremont & Louis Gevers, 1977. "Equity and the Informational Basis of Collective Choice," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 44(2), pages 199-209.
    2. Blackorby, Charles & Bossert, Walter & Donaldson, David, 2002. "Utilitarianism and the theory of justice," Handbook of Social Choice and Welfare, in: K. J. Arrow & A. K. Sen & K. Suzumura (ed.), Handbook of Social Choice and Welfare, edition 1, volume 1, chapter 11, pages 543-596, Elsevier.
    3. Gevers, Louis, 1979. "On Interpersonal Comparability and Social Welfare Orderings," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 47(1), pages 75-89, January.
    4. Deschamps, Robert & Gevers, Louis, 1978. "Leximin and utilitarian rules: A joint characterization," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 143-163, April.
    5. Sen, Amartya, 1997. "On Economic Inequality," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198292975.
    6. Eric Maskin, 1978. "A Theorem on Utilitarianism," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 45(1), pages 93-96.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social welfare ordering; Utilitarianism; Weak utilitarianism; Anonymity; Monotonicity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations

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