One of the fundamental assumptions of neoclassical economics is that all agents are motivated by their utility or personal welfare - that...

One of the fundamental assumptions of neoclassical economics is that all "agents" are motivated by their utility or personal welfare - that society will only support a policy choice that has a personal, utilitarian value. Hausman (2008) explained that rational choice is more complex than utility maximization, and Mason (2011) discussed the complexities that arise from pluralistic values. Environmental values can be expressed using a pluralistic value model, especially when personal values conflict. An example of such a conflict is an individual who wants to improve a salmon fishery by removing a dam that blocks access to spawning areas in the upper tributaries but does not want to lose the hydropower produced at the dam.

For the weekly forum, present a pluralistic value that you hold that is related to the an environmental or natural resource issue and discuss it with your classmates. Tie your personal valuation into course concepts.