A preference for an aggregate measure: A reply to Sagoff☆

Sagoffbelievesthatwelfarehasmeaningbeyonditsrelationtopreference, i.e., that thereis a “substantiveand independentlydefined conception of welfare” that is measured by KH but notby KHM. In contrast, we find that the foundation of both KHand KHM is not welfare, which is not measurable, butindividual preference. As if in anticipation of this reply, Sagoffasks, “Why should preference count?” Our answer, detailedbelow, is faithful to the liberal tradition of respect forindividual choice, and rejects the idea that there is someorganic theory of the state that should be the model on whichnormative issues are decided.