ABSTRACT
In chapter 1 we noted that environmental decisions involve conflicts between different values and interests. The utilitarian tradition approaches the issue of apparent conflicts between different values and interests by attempting to find some measure through which different ends can be traded off with each other so as to maximise the total good. A loss in one area can then be traded against a gain elsewhere. The loss in timber revenues may be shown to be outweighed by a gain in recreation uses of a woodland, or the satisfaction it brings many to know that a bird habitat has been protected. The loss of a habitat through the construction of a road is traded against the gain in travel times. On this approach, given the existence of conflict between different values and interests, one finds some common measure through which losses and gains for different affected agents across different values can be traded off with each other: a decision can be reached as to which option produces the best solution. As we shall see, the utilitarian approach is one that has a large influence in public policy. It provides the theoretical basis of the mainstream economic views of environmental decision making.
