Abstract
The typical method for valuing the future goods and harms of a public policy alternative is by means of a constant annual discount rate. This paper examines the reasonableness for public policy analysis of non-constant discounting methods that, unlike constant discounting, can accord considerable importance to outcomes in the distant future. We examine temporal consistency and economic efficiency as reasons for the use of constant discounting – and we argue that these reasons do not apply for a public policy choice whose effects are long-range and irreversible.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.