interpersonal comparisons of utility

简明释义

个人间效用比较

英英释义

例句

1.In welfare economics, interpersonal comparisons of utility help assess the distribution of resources.

在福利经济学中，效用的跨人比较有助于评估资源的分配情况。

2.Economists often debate the validity of interpersonal comparisons of utility in determining social welfare.

经济学家常常讨论在确定社会福利时，效用的跨人比较的有效性。

3.Many philosophers question the feasibility of interpersonal comparisons of utility in ethical discussions.

许多哲学家质疑在伦理讨论中进行效用的跨人比较的可行性。

4.The concept of interpersonal comparisons of utility can be complicated by individual preferences.

由于个人偏好的不同，效用的跨人比较的概念可能会变得复杂。

5.Some argue that interpersonal comparisons of utility are essential for effective policy-making.

有人认为，效用的跨人比较对于有效的政策制定至关重要。

作文

The concept of interpersonal comparisons of utility is a fundamental topic in economics, particularly in welfare economics. It refers to the idea of comparing the levels of satisfaction or happiness experienced by different individuals. This notion raises significant questions about the nature of utility and how it can be measured across different people. In traditional economic theory, utility is often seen as a subjective measure of individual happiness or satisfaction derived from consuming goods and services. However, the challenge arises when we attempt to compare these subjective experiences between individuals, as each person's preferences and circumstances may vary greatly.To illustrate this point, consider two individuals: one who enjoys luxury goods and another who finds joy in simple pleasures. If both individuals report a similar level of happiness, how can we determine whether their utilities are truly comparable? This is where the concept of interpersonal comparisons of utility becomes particularly complex. Economists have long debated the validity of making such comparisons, as the subjective nature of utility makes it difficult to establish a common metric.One approach to addressing this issue is through the use of utility functions, which attempt to quantify individual preferences. However, even with mathematical models, the question remains: can we truly compare the utility of one person to another? Critics argue that such comparisons are inherently flawed because they ignore the unique contexts and values of individuals. For instance, what brings happiness to one person may not hold the same value for another, leading to potential distortions in the comparison.Despite these challenges, interpersonal comparisons of utility play a crucial role in public policy and resource allocation. Policymakers often rely on these comparisons to assess the overall welfare of a society and to design interventions aimed at improving the well-being of the population. For example, when evaluating social programs, governments may consider how benefits are distributed among different groups. The effectiveness of these programs often hinges on the ability to compare the utilities of various demographic segments.Moreover, advancements in behavioral economics have shed light on the importance of understanding human behavior and decision-making processes. By recognizing that individuals do not always act rationally, economists can better appreciate the nuances of interpersonal comparisons of utility. This perspective encourages a more holistic view of welfare, acknowledging that happiness is not solely derived from material wealth but also from social relationships, mental health, and community engagement.In conclusion, while the concept of interpersonal comparisons of utility presents significant theoretical challenges, it remains an essential aspect of economic analysis and policymaking. Understanding how to navigate these comparisons can lead to more effective social policies that enhance the well-being of diverse populations. As we continue to explore the complexities of human satisfaction, it is imperative to approach the subject with sensitivity to individual differences and the context in which utility is experienced. Only then can we hope to create a more equitable society that values the happiness of all its members.

“人际效用比较”是经济学中一个基本的主题，特别是在福利经济学中。它指的是比较不同个体所经历的满意度或幸福感的水平。这一概念引发了关于效用的性质以及如何在不同人之间进行测量的重要问题。在传统经济理论中，效用通常被视为个人从消费商品和服务中获得的幸福或满足的主观衡量。然而，当我们试图在个体之间进行这些主观体验的比较时，挑战就出现了，因为每个人的偏好和情况可能大相径庭。为了说明这一点，考虑两个个体：一个喜欢奢侈品，另一个则在简单的快乐中找到乐趣。如果这两个人都报告了类似的幸福水平，我们如何确定他们的效用是否真的可以比较？这就是“人际效用比较”变得特别复杂的地方。经济学家长期以来一直争论进行这样的比较的有效性，因为效用的主观性使得建立一个共同的度量标准变得困难。解决这一问题的一种方法是使用效用函数，试图量化个体的偏好。然而，即使有了数学模型，问题依然存在：我们真的能够将一个人的效用与另一个人进行比较吗？批评者认为，这样的比较本质上是有缺陷的，因为它们忽略了个体独特的背景和价值观。例如，使一个人快乐的东西可能对另一个人没有同样的价值，从而导致比较中的潜在扭曲。尽管面临这些挑战，“人际效用比较”在公共政策和资源分配中发挥着至关重要的作用。政策制定者常常依赖这些比较来评估社会的整体福利，并设计旨在改善人口福祉的干预措施。例如，在评估社会项目时，政府可能会考虑福利在不同群体之间的分配。这些项目的有效性往往取决于能否比较各个群体的效用。此外，行为经济学的进展使我们认识到理解人类行为和决策过程的重要性。通过认识到个体并不总是理性地行动，经济学家可以更好地欣赏“人际效用比较”的细微差别。这种观点鼓励对福利的更全面的看法，承认幸福不仅仅来自物质财富，还来自社会关系、心理健康和社区参与。总之，尽管“人际效用比较”这一概念提出了重大的理论挑战，但它仍然是经济分析和政策制定中的一个重要方面。理解如何处理这些比较可以导致更有效的社会政策，从而提高不同人群的福祉。随着我们继续探索人类满意度的复杂性，必须以对个体差异和效用体验背景的敏感态度来接近这一主题。只有这样，我们才能希望创造一个更公平的社会，重视所有成员的幸福。