Interpersonal Comparisons of Well-Being

Studies in Rationality and Social Change

by Jon Elster (Editor), John E. Roemer (Editor)

In this volume a diverse group of economists, philosophers, political scientists, and psychologists address the problems, principles, and practices involved in comparing the well-being of different individuals. A series of questions lie at the heart of this investigation: What is the relevant concept of well-being for the purposes of comparison? How could the comparisons be carried out for policy purposes? How are such comparisons made now? How do the difficulties involved in these comparisons affect the status of utilitarian theories? This collection constitutes the most advanced and comprehensive treatment of one of the cardinal issues in social theory.

Genres: Philosophy, Economics

412 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 1991

About the author

Jon Elster ، born 22 February 1940, Oslo) is a Norwegian social and political theorist who has authored works in the philosophy of social science and rational choice theory. He is also a notable proponent of analytical Marxism, and a critic of neoclassical economics and public choice theory, largely on behavioral and psychological grounds.

In 2016, he was awarded the 22nd Johan Skytte Prize in Political Science for his contributions to political science.

Reviews

[Adrian Fanaca]

If you really think about it, this life is about, well...well-being. Pun intended. But scientifically speaking, measuring well-being is a challenge. The level where science is at the moment is sending random people through a pager a question asking how well do you feel right now and making an average. Jon and others tell us the current situation of well-being philosophy and science at the moment. Very good topic and authors.