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Utilitarianism versus the repugnant conclusion

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  • Juan Carlos Córdoba

    (Iowa State University)

Abstract

An influential body of literature has challenged the suitability of utilitarianism as a criterion for population ethics. Parfit’s (Reason and Pearsons. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1984) Repugnant Conclusion posits that utilitarianism favors the existence of large, impoverished societies. Dasgupta’s (Regarding optimum population. J Polit Philos 13:414–442, 2005; Time and the generations. Columbia University Press, New York, 2019) calibrated models provide support for this conclusion. This paper demonstrates that these findings can be overturned by considering alternative, plausible assumptions. A wealthy society with a small population can be consistent with utilitarianism. The paper argues that utilitarianism offers a reliable benchmark for population ethics.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Carlos Córdoba, 2023. "Utilitarianism versus the repugnant conclusion," Indian Economic Review, Springer, vol. 58(1), pages 163-180, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:inecre:v:58:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s41775-023-00167-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s41775-023-00167-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gary S. Becker & Robert J. Barro, 1988. "A Reformulation of the Economic Theory of Fertility," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 103(1), pages 1-25.
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    3. Blackorby,Charles & Bossert,Walter & Donaldson,David J., 2005. "Population Issues in Social Choice Theory, Welfare Economics, and Ethics," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521532587.
    4. Barro, Robert J & Becker, Gary S, 1989. "Fertility Choice in a Model of Economic Growth," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 57(2), pages 481-501, March.
    5. Juan Carlos Córdoba & Marla Ripoll, 2019. "The Elasticity of Intergenerational Substitution, Parental Altruism, and Fertility Choice," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 86(5), pages 1935-1972.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Population ethics; Genesis problem; Quasiconcavity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J17 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Value of Life; Foregone Income
    • D6 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics

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