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Exploring infinite population utilitarianism under strong anonymity

Author

Listed:
  • Geir B. Asheim

    (University of Oslo)

  • Kohei Kamaga

    (Sophia University)

  • Stéphane Zuber

    (Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne and CNRS, Centre d’Economie de la Sorbonne
    Paris School of Economics)

Abstract

We examine utilitarian criteria for evaluating profiles of well-being among infinitely many individuals. Motivated by the non-existence of a natural 1-to-1 correspondence between people when alternatives have different population structures, with a different number of people in each generation, we impose equal treatment in the form of Strong Anonymity. We demonstrate how a novel criterion, Strongly Anonymous Utilitarianism, can be applied in the Ramsey model, leading to an efficient and sustainable stream. We show how the criterion is the result of combining Strong Anonymity with other regularity axioms (Monotonicity, Finite Completeness, and continuity axioms) as well as axioms of equity, population ethics, sensitivity, and separability. We relate it to other strongly anonymous utilitarian criteria.

Suggested Citation

  • Geir B. Asheim & Kohei Kamaga & Stéphane Zuber, 2025. "Exploring infinite population utilitarianism under strong anonymity," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 80(1), pages 39-85, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joecth:v:80:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s00199-024-01620-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s00199-024-01620-6
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development

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