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Individual Preference as the Basis of Social Choice

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Book cover Social Choice Re-examined

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Abstract

Social choice theory is an analytical discipline which makes extensive use of axiomatic methods. Many of its strengths and weaknesses relate precisely to this analytical character, including the strength arising from its interpretational versatility and the weakness of a tendency towards formal neglect of substantive issues. The subject of this essay is this mixed pattern of virtues and vices.

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© 1997 International Economic Association

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Sen, A. (1997). Individual Preference as the Basis of Social Choice. In: Arrow, K.J., Sen, A., Suzumura, K. (eds) Social Choice Re-examined. International Economic Association Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-25849-9_3

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