Review of Behavioral Economics > Vol 11 > Issue 2

What to Do about Preference Change? Lessons from “Philosophy, Politics and Economics”

Shaun P. Hargreaves Heap, Department of Political Economy, King’s College London, UK, shaun.hargreaves_heap@kcl.ac.uk
 
Suggested Citation
Shaun P. Hargreaves Heap (2024), "What to Do about Preference Change? Lessons from “Philosophy, Politics and Economics”", Review of Behavioral Economics: Vol. 11: No. 2, pp 275-294. http://dx.doi.org/10.1561/105.00000190

Publication Date: 08 May 2024
© 2024 S. P. Hargreaves Heap
 
Subjects
Productivity measurement and analysis,  Public economics,  Economic theory,  Behavioral economics,  Uncertainty
 
Keywords
JEL Codes: B20, H00, I30, O40
Preference changeproductivity growthinequalityconstitutional welfare economics
 

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In this article:
Introduction 
A “History” of Post War Economics 
Why Preference Change Matters for Explanation in Economics 
Why Preference Change Matters for Prescription in Economics 
Conclusion 
References 

Abstract

This paper argues that preference change represents a “blind spot” for economics. It qualifies as such because preference change creates significant challenges for both explanation and prescription in economics, and yet it has been largely ignored. This paper sets out those challenges and an answer to the problem of preference change that involves drawing on philosophy and politics. In short, the paper makes, in effect, an argument for locating economics in the disciplinary assemblage of Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

DOI:10.1561/105.00000190

Companion

Review of Behavioral Economics, Volume 11, Issue 2 Special Issue: The Contribution of Behavioral Insights to Political Economy: Articles Overiew
See the other articles that are part of this special issue.