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The new science of pleasure: consumer choice behavior and the measurement of well-being

In: Handbook of Choice Modelling

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  • Daniel McFadden

Abstract

Economists since the days of Adam Smith and Jeremy Bentham have traditionally viewed consumers as driven by relentless and consistent pursuit of self-interest, with their choices in the marketplace providing all the measurements needed to reveal their preferences and assess their well-being. This theory of consumer choice is empirically successful, and provides the foundation for most economic policy. However, the traditional view is now being challenged by evidence from cognitive psychology, anthropology, evolutionary biology, and neurology. This paper begins by surveying the origins of neoclassical consumer choice theory and recent developments. Following this, it reviews the newer evidence on consumer behavior, and what this implies for the measurement of consumer choice behavior and well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel McFadden, 2024. "The new science of pleasure: consumer choice behavior and the measurement of well-being," Chapters, in: Stephane Hess & Andrew Daly (ed.), Handbook of Choice Modelling, chapter 2, pages 6-48, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:20188_2
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    File URL: https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781800375635.00007
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