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A dynamically consistent choice-set dependent population axiology

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  • Bruers, Stijn

Abstract

Dynamic neutral-range utilitarianism is a choice-set dependent population axiology, which means that the social welfare ordering depends on the set of eligible options that are available to the decision maker. This choice-set dependency allows to avoid many impossibility theorems in population ethics, and in particular allows to avoid repugnant and sadistic conclusions. To make the theory dynamically consistent, the social welfare function contains a correction term that measures dynamic inconsistency. The theory is complete, continuous, transitive, separable, Pareto efficient and inequality averse, but violates the dominance addition condition and entails a weak non-identity problem.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruers, Stijn, 2026. "A dynamically consistent choice-set dependent population axiology," EconStor Preprints 344077, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:esprep:344077
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General

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