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∀ or ∃?

Author

Listed:
  • Segal, Uzi

    (Department of Economics, Boston College)

Abstract

This paper shows that in some axioms regarding the mixture of random variables, the requirement that the conclusions hold for all values of the mixture parameter can be replaced by requiring the existence of only one non-trivial value of the parameter, which needs not be fixed. This is the case for the independence, betweenness, and the mixture symmetry axioms. Unlike the standard axioms, these weaker versions cannot be refuted by experimental methods.

Suggested Citation

  • Segal, Uzi, 2023. "∀ or ∃?," Theoretical Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 18(1), January.
  • Handle: RePEc:the:publsh:4946
    as

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    File URL: http://econtheory.org/ojs/index.php/te/article/viewFile/20230001/35720/1052
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Segal, Uzi, 1990. "Two-Stage Lotteries without the Reduction Axiom," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 58(2), pages 349-377, March.
    2. Christopher P. Chambers & Federico Echenique & Eran Shmaya, 2014. "The Axiomatic Structure of Empirical Content," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 104(8), pages 2303-2319, August.
    3. Mongin, Philippe, 1986. "Are “All-and-Some” Statements Falsifiable After All?: The Example of Utility Theory," Economics and Philosophy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 2(2), pages 185-195, October.
    4. Epstein, Larry G & Segal, Uzi, 1992. "Quadratic Social Welfare Functions," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 100(4), pages 691-712, August.
    5. Chew, Soo Hong, 1983. "A Generalization of the Quasilinear Mean with Applications to the Measurement of Income Inequality and Decision Theory Resolving the Allais Paradox," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 51(4), pages 1065-1092, July.
    6. Chris Starmer, 2000. "Developments in Non-expected Utility Theory: The Hunt for a Descriptive Theory of Choice under Risk," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 38(2), pages 332-382, June.
    7. Dekel, Eddie, 1986. "An axiomatic characterization of preferences under uncertainty: Weakening the independence axiom," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 40(2), pages 304-318, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Betweenness; independence axiom; mixture symmetry;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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