Working Papers in Economics,
University of Gothenburg, Department of Economics

Abstract: This paper analyzes the standard welfare economics assumption of anthropocentric welfarism, i.e., that only human well-being counts intrinsically. Alternatives where animal welfare matters intrinsically are explored theoretically, based on moral philosophical literature, and empirically where the general public‘s ethical preferences are measured through a survey with a representative sample in Sweden. It is concluded that welfare economics should be generalized in order to encompass the idea that animal welfare should sometimes matter intrinsically.

Keywords: animal welfare; anthropocentrism; welfarism; ethics; ethical preferences; cost-benefit analysis

JEL-codes: D60; D70; Q50

44 pages, January 17, 2011

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