Title: Construction of a social welfare function under consideration of conditional self-interest

Authors: Sabine Spangenberg; David M. Munyinyi

Addresses: Richmond University, American International University Queens Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6JP, London ' Richmond University, American International University Queens Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6JP, London

Abstract: Welfare functions have largely been constructed on the assumption that individuals' utilities can be aggregated into collective utility. This paper considers an alternative approach providing implications for the definition of social values and the understanding of welfare. The conditional self-interest will be juxtaposed the consideration of moral sense and benevolence. This will inform further on the limitations of utilitarian assumptions. A kinder approach to human nature generates varied assumptions and an alternative understanding of social phenomena. A de-individualised redefinition of social states is necessary to arrive at a true set of social options. We will demonstrate by parameterising the societal welfare function as a continuous functional relationship whose input variables are society individuals and whose actions or contributions are constrained by intrinsic societal factors. The analysis of the resultant welfare function shows that consideration for others and constrained self-interest will act to enhance societal benefit.

Keywords: social welfare function; conditional self-interest; benevolence; social optimum.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2021.117099

International Journal of Happiness and Development, 2021 Vol.6 No.3, pp.263 - 284

Received: 20 Jan 2020
Accepted: 01 Oct 2020
Published online: 17 Aug 2021 *

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