Measuring “The Happiness of Nations”: The Conundrum of Adam Smith's “Real Measure of Exchangeable Value”
基于亚当·斯密在《道德情操论》中对幸福的理解，探讨其“真实尺度”作为社会幸福/福利指数的起源、含义和命运，并分析斯密为何放弃该标准的福利角色。
Based on an appraisal of Smith's (nonutilitarian) understanding of happiness in The Theory of Moral Sentiments, this article considers the possible origin, meaning, and fate of the “real measure” qua index of social happiness/welfare. It is suggested that the original welfare usage was a measure of the happiness of laborers in terms of their “sacrifice” to obtain the necessaries and conveniences of life. However, although the welfare origins of the measure are discernable in The Wealth of Nations, it is argued that the real measure had come to be used by Smith for purposes that were related only indirectly, if at all, to the measurement of happiness/welfare. The article suggests reasons for Smith's abandonment of a welfare role for the standard, including the possibility that he had made a tactical decision to downplay his welfare concerns.