“Abstract: Many maximizing normative theories are monistic in resting upon one core value. But such theories generate highly counter-intuitive implications. This is especially clear in the case of hedonistic utilitarianism. But an analysis of why we find thoseimplications counter-intuitive implies that we ought to subscribe to a plurality of values. For example, the Repugnant Conclusion implies that we should value a highlevel of average happiness, while the Problem of the Ecstatic Psychopath implies that we should value either a large quantity of total happiness or a large number of worthwhile lives. The problems posed by pleasure-wizards, on the other hand, implythat we should include a non-utilitarian value: namely, equality. And only when suchvalues are kept in play simultaneously can the Repugnant Conclusion, the Problem of the Ecstatic Psychopath and the problems posed by pleasure-wizards all be avoided,thereby demonstrating the superiority of pluralist over monistic normative theories.”
Interesting part start on page 10 after the quote: “Brian Barry argues in his early work that we could model trade-offs between principles such as equity and efficiency in a manner that parallels the way in which micro-economists employ indifference-curves to model how we might swap grapes for potatoe”.
May be this article is related to the topic:
“A plurality of values” https://www.academia.edu/173502/A_plurality_of_values
“Abstract: Many maximizing normative theories are monistic in resting upon one core value. But such theories generate highly counter-intuitive implications. This is especially clear in the case of hedonistic utilitarianism. But an analysis of why we find thoseimplications counter-intuitive implies that we ought to subscribe to a plurality of values. For example, the Repugnant Conclusion implies that we should value a highlevel of average happiness, while the Problem of the Ecstatic Psychopath implies that we should value either a large quantity of total happiness or a large number of worthwhile lives. The problems posed by pleasure-wizards, on the other hand, implythat we should include a non-utilitarian value: namely, equality. And only when suchvalues are kept in play simultaneously can the Repugnant Conclusion, the Problem of the Ecstatic Psychopath and the problems posed by pleasure-wizards all be avoided,thereby demonstrating the superiority of pluralist over monistic normative theories.”
Interesting part start on page 10 after the quote: “Brian Barry argues in his early work that we could model trade-offs between principles such as equity and efficiency in a manner that parallels the way in which micro-economists employ indifference-curves to model how we might swap grapes for potatoe”.