Economics and Ethics

John Broome

doi:10.1016/B978-0-08-097086-8.63020-9

Economics and Ethics

John Broome^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

Abstract

The links between ethics and economics are multifarious, and run in both directions. Much of economics is a sort of applied ethics, and is founded on ethical theories. Conversely, economists have contributed to the development of ethical thinking. Preference-based utilitarianism, which was developed by economists, has proved influential in utilitarian thinking generally. Tools from economics that have proved useful in ethics include utility theory, game theory, and social choice theory. Economists and moral philosophers share an interest in many particular topics, including the value of human life and the value of equality.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences: Second Edition
Publisher	Elsevier Inc.
Pages	87-92
Number of pages	6
ISBN (Electronic)	9780080970875
ISBN (Print)	9780080970868
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-097086-8.63020-9
Publication status	Published - 26 Mar 2015
Externally published	Yes

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AB - The links between ethics and economics are multifarious, and run in both directions. Much of economics is a sort of applied ethics, and is founded on ethical theories. Conversely, economists have contributed to the development of ethical thinking. Preference-based utilitarianism, which was developed by economists, has proved influential in utilitarian thinking generally. Tools from economics that have proved useful in ethics include utility theory, game theory, and social choice theory. Economists and moral philosophers share an interest in many particular topics, including the value of human life and the value of equality.

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KW - Expected utility theory

KW - Ordinalism

KW - Pareto criterion

KW - Prioritarianism

KW - Utilitarianism

KW - Utility

KW - Value of life

KW - Welfare economics

KW - Well-being

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BT - International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences: Second Edition

PB - Elsevier Inc.

ER -

Economics and Ethics

Abstract

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