In population axiology, comparisons of the value of different outcomes have traditionally been done in highly idealized ways. This has been done, for example, by considering only net-levels of wellbeing and not their components; by assuming scenarios of perfect equality; and by taking for granted full certainty, instead of option uncertainty. As those idealized models of populations' wellbeing are the only ones that have been considered to date, standard views in population axiology have been built upon them.

The standard way of thinking about emotions in cognitive science starts with their function. The function of the fear program, for instance, is to help the individual evade imminent dangers. This functionalist proposal illuminates the character of the fear program, e.g., the kinds of things that elicit fear, and the kinds of responses that fear produces. The functionalist approach has been extremely productive, but it faces a puzzle with the emotion of guilt, for it’s unclear what function the guilt program serves for the individual.

Nobel Economist Joseph Stiglitz was former Chief Economist at the World Bank, and founder of the Initiative for Policy Dialogue. He is credited with formulating ideas such as risk aversion, the Henry George theorem and the information asymmetry. This seminar will include expert contributions from Said Business School's accounting professor, Amir Amel-Zadeh, and Sunday Times City Editor Jill Treanor.