On the Meaning Maximization Doctrine: An Alternative to the Utilitarian Doctrine

Abstract

This chapter proposes an alternative doctrine, christened as the meaning maximization doctrine, to the lifetime utility maximization doctrine. While the meaning of life is a familiar pursuit, given that modernity, to a great extent, is characterized by it, the formulation of our doctrine is novel. Neither do we employ the mathematics upon which the economic science is built, nor do we rely on the psychology underpinning modern economics. Instead, we take a humanistic approach mainly using logs, diaries, biographies, and the like as the theoretic objects and, in the spirit of Kolmogorov complexity, give a technical notion of the meaning of a life based on its algorithmic complexity. The meaning maximization principle asserts that the pursuit of the meaning of life and its algorithmic complexity is a natural tendency of human beings. With this formulation, we begin with a number of standard genres by which meaning is typically found or generated. The significance of the meaning maximization doctrine is elaborated in its relevancy to the law of diminishing marginal utility, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, Amartya Sen’s capability approach, humanomics, meaning crisis, and political economy.