Apples and oranges? Some initial thoughts on comparing diverse benefits

Abstract

Evaluating the value of various altruistic endeavors, such as protecting children from diseases or providing education, is a complex task. This work discusses methods from economics and the social sciences that can be used to compare diverse benefits, such as willingness to pay, instantaneous reports of subjective well-being, and the standard gamble. It emphasizes the importance of considering the specific context and the perspectives of those affected when choosing an evaluation method. The work also highlights the challenges in comparing benefits across different groups of people and over time. – AI-generated abstract.