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On the spatial representation of preference profiles

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  • Jon Eguia

Abstract

Given a set of alternatives with multiple attributes, I characterize the set of preference profiles that are representable by weighted versions of a class of utility functions indexed by a parameter δ > 0, where δ ≥ 1 corresponds to the set of Minkowski’s ( 1886 ) metric functions. In light of the starkly different consequences between representability with δ ≤ 1 or with δ > 1, I propose a test to empirically estimate δ and I discuss the theoretical and empirical implications for spatial models of political competition. Copyright Springer-Verlag 2013

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  • Jon Eguia, 2013. "On the spatial representation of preference profiles," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 52(1), pages 103-128, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joecth:v:52:y:2013:i:1:p:103-128
    DOI: 10.1007/s00199-011-0669-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Minqiang Li, 2014. "On Aumann and Serrano’s economic index of risk," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 55(2), pages 415-437, February.
    2. Chambers, Christopher P. & Echenique, Federico, 2020. "Spherical preferences," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    3. Chen, Daniel L. & Michaeli, Moti & Spiro, Daniel, 2023. "Non-confrontational extremists," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    4. Hallman, Alice & Spiro, Daniel, 2023. "A theory of hypocrisy," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 401-410.
    5. Chen, Daniel L. & Michaeli, Moti & Spiro, Daniel, 2016. "Ideological Perfectionism," IAST Working Papers 16-47, Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Utility representation; Spatial models; Multidimensional preferences; Spatial representation; D81; D72;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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