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The illusion of intergenerational preference aggregation: Limits of individualistic population ethics

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  • Kolmar, Martin
  • Stolte, Klaus

Abstract

In this paper we analyse the possibility to construct intergenerational criteria of choice within the framework of methodological individualism. The main result of this analysis is, that intergenerational criteria as an aggregation of preferences of current and future individuals do not exist. The extension of social choice theory to intergenerational problems necessarily leads to criteria that are intragenerational in nature. This fact is due to the epistemological difference between actual and potential individuals. The consequences for the structure of welfare functional in presence of intergenerational choice are analysed.

Suggested Citation

  • Kolmar, Martin & Stolte, Klaus, 1996. "The illusion of intergenerational preference aggregation: Limits of individualistic population ethics," Discussion Papers, Series II 297, University of Konstanz, Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 178 "Internationalization of the Economy".
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:kondp2:297
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    1. Blackorby, Charles & Bossert, Walter & Donaldson, David, 1995. "Intertemporal Population Ethics: Critical-Level Utilitarian Principles," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 63(6), pages 1303-1320, November.
    2. Samuelson, Paul A, 1975. "The Optimum Growth Rate for Population," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 16(3), pages 531-538, October.
    3. Sen, Amartya K, 1977. "On Weights and Measures: Informational Constraints in Social Welfare Analysis," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 45(7), pages 1539-1572, October.
    4. Gary S. Becker, 1960. "An Economic Analysis of Fertility," NBER Chapters, in: Demographic and Economic Change in Developed Countries, pages 209-240, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    5. John C. Harsanyi, 1955. "Cardinal Welfare, Individualistic Ethics, and Interpersonal Comparisons of Utility," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 63(4), pages 309-309.
    6. Blackorby, Charles & Donaldson, David, 1984. "Social criteria for evaluating population change," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 25(1-2), pages 13-33, November.
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    1. Kolmar, Martin, 1997. "Optimal intergenerational redistribution and strategic incentives with two countries and endogenous fertility: Theory and application to the European Union," Discussion Papers, Series II 340, University of Konstanz, Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 178 "Internationalization of the Economy".
    2. Kolmar, Martin, 1999. "Optimale Ansiedlung sozialpolitischer Entscheidungskompetenzen in der Europäischen Union," Beiträge zur Finanzwissenschaft, Mohr Siebeck, Tübingen, edition 1, volume 7, number urn:isbn:9783161471254, May.
    3. Kolmar, Martin, 1996. "Intergenerational redistribution in a small open economy with endogenous fertility," Discussion Papers, Series II 296, University of Konstanz, Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 178 "Internationalization of the Economy".

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