Abstract
A “triangulation” strategy is sketched for constructing an empirical testable theory of interpersonal comparisons of utility units. Bargaining theory and the theory of the utility curves of money are tentatively suggested as triangulation points.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Friedman M, Savage LJ (1948) The utility analysis of choices involving risk. J Polit Econ 56: 279–304
Homans G (1974) Social behavior (rev. ed.) Harcourt Brace, New York
Markowitz H (1952) The utility of wealth. J Polit Econ 60: 151–158
Nozick R (1981) Philosophical explanations. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA (Chap 5, part III)
Sen A (1979) Interpersonal comparisons of welfare. In: Boskin M (ed) Economics and human welfare. Academic Press, New York, pp 183–201
Tversky A, Kahneman D (1979) Prospect theory. Econometrica 47: 263–291
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Nozick, R. Interpersonal utility theory. Soc Choice Welfare 2, 161–179 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00433527
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00433527