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Interpersonal level comparability implies comparability of utility differences

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  • Yew-Kwang Ng

Abstract

It is generally believed that the possibility of making interpersonal comparisons of utility levels (as required, e.g.,in applying the Rawlsian maximin criterion) does not require interpersonal comparison of utility differences (which involve cardinal utilities). Thus, if we are confined to level comparability, it is believed that no cardinal utility need be involved. Here, I wish to show that, with some very general conditions, the general possibility of interpersonal comparison of utility levels implies interpersonal comparison of utility differences (or unit comparability, with suitablescaling). Thus,the sufficiency of ordinalism is a mistaken belief.

Suggested Citation

  • Yew-Kwang Ng, 1984. "Interpersonal level comparability implies comparability of utility differences," Monash Economics Working Papers archive-20, Monash University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:mos:moswps:archive-20
    DOI: 10.1007/BF00160980
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    Cited by:

    1. Louis Kaplow, 2008. "Optimal Policy with Heterogeneous Preferences," NBER Working Papers 14170, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. W. Max Corden & Peter Forsyth & Christis G. Tombazos, 2008. "Distinguished Fellow of the Economic Society of Australia, 2007: Yew‐Kwang Ng," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 84(265), pages 267-272, June.
    3. Songtao Wang & Bin Li & Tristan Kenderdine, 2019. "Towards a Utilitarian Social Welfare Function¡ªIncome Inequality and National Welfare Growth in China," Research in World Economy, Research in World Economy, Sciedu Press, vol. 10(3), pages 344-358, December.

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