Welfare economics

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingEncyclopaedia / Dictionary EntryOtherpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this article, the conditions for Pareto optimality are outlined; why the first theorem in welfare economics is true is explained. Despite the required conditions being unrealistic, the first theorem is very important as it shows the working of the market mechanism and serves as a benchmark, allowing us to examine divergences caused by, say, external costs. Coase's argument against the Pigovian taxation of external costs, and of pollution, is based on all-or-nothing comparison ignoring an important asymmetry. Arrow's impossibility theorem and a 90% solution to the paradox of interpersonal cardinal utility are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences
EditorsJames D. Wright
Place of PublicationNetherlands
PublisherElsevier
Pages497-503
Number of pages7
Volume25
Edition2nd
ISBN (Electronic)9780080970875
ISBN (Print)9780080970868
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Arrow's impossibility theorem
  • Coase
  • Economics
  • Efficiency
  • Environmental economics
  • Equality
  • External effects
  • Happiness
  • Pareto optimality
  • Pigovian tax
  • Preference
  • Second best
  • Social choice
  • Welfare
  • Welfare economics

Cite this