The adaptation problem, evolution and normative economics

Arbeitspapier

Amartya Sen has advanced a number of distinct arguments against utilitarianism and 'utility'-based views more generally. One of these invokes various ways in which underdogs can 'adapt' and learn to live with their situations. Sen's argument is related to Jon Elster's discussion of 'adaptive preferences' but is distinct in part because Sen cites the need for underdogs to survive. When read in combination with his discussion of Darwinism, Sen's discussion of adaptation is relevant to recent work in normative economics which is influenced by evolutionary biology. It poses a problem for Richard Layard's book on happiness, particularly its policy conclusions. It also poses a problem for Ken Binmore's account of justice because the empathetic preferences in terms of which interpersonal comparisons are made in Binmore's account are formed through social evolution.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Papers on Economics and Evolution ; No. 0708

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft
• Subject: adaptation ; preferences ; utilitarianism ; capability ; evolution ; happiness ; Präferenztheorie ; Anpassung ; Utilitarismus ; Evolutionsökonomik ; Lebenszufriedenheit ; Kritik ; Theorie

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Qizilbash, Mozaffar
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Max Planck Institute of Economics
• (where): Jena
• (when): 2007

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/31807
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:43 AM CET