Economics, Happiness and Public Policy

THE ECONOMIC SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA, Tasmania
Economics, Happiness and Public Policy
The Economic Society of Australia – Tasmania BranchINC
is proud to present …
Paul Blacklow

Paul Blacklow is a lecturer at the University of Tasmania, as well as the President of the Tasmanian Branch of The Economic Society of Australia.
Economists typically assume that individuals derive utility or happiness from the consumption of goods and services. Given that real incomes and consumption have tripled over the past 60 years, we would expect to see a similar rise in happiness over that period. However happiness levels are similar or slightly below what they were in the 1950s.
So what does make people happy? How does traditional economics handle happiness? Do adjustments need to be made to economics and if so what? What are the consequences for public policy if we wished to maximise society’s happiness?
Come and listen to Paul talk about happiness, economics and public policy.

Date: Thursday 20 August 2009
Time: 5.00pm for a 5.15pm start
Location: Murray Room (after entering through the main entrance it is around to the left), Department of Treasury and Finance, 21 Murray Street, Hobart
Cost: Free. Nibbles and soft drink will be provided with beer and wine available at cost.

Please RSVP to Anthony Rossiter (ecosoctas@optusnet.com.au or 6233 6030) by 12pm on Thursday 20 August 2009 to ensure there is enough seating.