Fleurbaey

Marc Fleurbaey

Robert E. Kuenne Professor in Economics and Humanistic Studies and Professor of Public Affairs, University Center for Human Values, Princeton University
Chapter Member: New Jersey SSN
Areas of Expertise:
  • Inequality & the Middle Class
  • Economic Growth & Innovation
  • Public Budgets & Taxes

Connect with Marc

(609) 258 3506

About Marc

Fleurbaey explores the measurement of well-being and the design of criteria for the evaluation of public policy that incorporate a concern for respecting the population values and preferences, as well as a concern for inequalities and fairness. His research finds applications in indicators that go “beyond GDP,” in cost-benefit analysis, in taxation policy, and in climate policy analysis. Fleurbaey is member of the steering committee of the International Panel on Social Progress. He has also been a member of the Stiglitz-Sen-Fitoussi Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress, and a coordinating lead author for the fifth report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 

Contributions | No Jargon Podcast | In the News | Publications

Contributions

Populism as a Challenge to Democracy from Within

SSN Basic Facts Brief,

Measuring and Maximizing the Pursuit of Human Happiness

SSN Basic Facts Brief,

In the News

"Do We Need a New Social Contract?," Marc Fleurbaey (with Maurizio Bussolo), Brookings, April 11, 2019.
"Climate Change Action Cannot Ignore Social Issues," Marc Fleurbaey (with Helga Nowotny), Project Syndicate, January 2, 2019.
"Why Populism Challenges Democracy from Within," Marc Fleurbaey, The American Prospect, November 25, 2016.
"Policy: Social-Progress Panel Seeks Public Comment," Marc Fleurbaey (with Olivier Bouin, Marie-Laure Djelic, Ravi Kanbur, Cécile Laborde, Helga Nowotny, Elisa Reis, Elke Weber, Michel Wieviorka, and Xiaobo Zhang), Comment, Nature, June 27, 2016.
"Do You Believe in Democracy or in Equality – or Both?," Marc Fleurbaey, Huffington Post, February 23, 2015.
"Scared of Ebola, ISIS, Putin or Climate Change? A New Global Panel Tackles the Social Plagues that Generate our Problems," Marc Fleurbaey, Huffington Post, October 29, 2014.
Guest to discuss economics on Paris FMSH, Marc Fleurbaey, July 4, 2014.
"In Search of a Compass for Economic Growth," Marc Fleurbaey, People's Daily, July 2013.

Publications

"Climate Policies Deserve a Negative Discount Rate" (with Stéphane Zuber). Chicago Journal of International Law 13, no. 2 (2013): 565-595.

Argues that climate mitigation policies that require efforts from today’s affluent people to the benefit of protecting the future populations that are the most vulnerable to climate change should be considered very beneficial –implying that each dollar in their future benefits should be assessed as having greater value than each dollar in the present sacrifices involved.

Beyond GDP. Measuring Welfare and Assessing Sustainability (with Didier Blanchet) (Oxford University Press, 2013).

Reviews the “beyond GDP” debate and critically examines the various approaches, from happiness studies to capabilities. Argues in favor of a comprehensive monetary approach that values non-market goods.

Fairness, Responsibility, and Welfare (Oxford University Press, 2008).

Discusses the ideas that shape the policy-maker conversation about “improving opportunities for all.” Builds upon the recent wave of philosophical and economic literature that defines social justice in terms of opportunities rather than achievements, and proposes a different approach, based on the respect for individual values and preferences.