Upon the Pareto Optimality of Group Behavior

摘要

Some of the conditions for and obstacles to Pareto optimality of group behavior are considered. Special emphasis is put upon those obstacles which arise from the imperfection of man's knowledge yet these obstacles are not given inclusive attention. It is found to be convenient to discuss these questions for 'societies' which involve limiting states of inter-dependence since they give insights into the non-limiting cases. The term 'society' is used to designate any group which is independent of another. It follows that nearly every collection of existing individuals cannot form a 'society' and that a more general formulation is required. Formulations are given which enable us to conceptualise some conditions which render it impossible for a group to ensure Pareto optimality for itself. It is suggested that such conditions will commonly prevail. (Author)