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Une critique opérationnelle du welfarisme dans la prise de décision publique

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  • Antoinette Baujard

    (GATE Lyon Saint-Étienne - Groupe d'Analyse et de Théorie Economique Lyon - Saint-Etienne - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - UJM - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Étienne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

Public decision makers are seeking the highest social welfare possible, hence the satisfaction of individual preferences in the population. How does the operational framework of gathering information on agents preferences affect the quality and the interpretation of public decision?The paper displays a model of decision to allocate a subsidy for public or private transportation. Individual preferences are revealed, at the aggregate level, by individual behaviours in different choice contexts. Using techniques of probability calculus of voting paradoxes developed by Saari, the loss of information due to these particular conditions of data collection are assessed and carefully analysed. Three conclusions are then drawn up: about the reliability of information and the quality of decisions, about formulating models, and about implementing welfarism.

Suggested Citation

  • Antoinette Baujard, 2006. "Une critique opérationnelle du welfarisme dans la prise de décision publique," Post-Print halshs-00155130, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00155130
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00155130
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