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Nontransitive multidimensional preferences: Theoretical analysis of a model

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Abstract

A descriptive multidimensional preference-model (WM) is developed which amalgamates dimension-wise preference-relations (preferences in respect to different decision-criteria) into an overall-preference, according to the weights of the dimensions. Apart from the common preference-axioms, WM is based on an axiomatic system C for the weighing of the dimensions. Proofs of consistency and of independence of the axioms are presented. The overall-preference-rektion is shown to be nontransitive. The likewise nontransitive overall-indifference is divided into two other overall-indifference-relations, one of them is transitive, the other nontransitive. Thus WM is able to explain ‘intransitivities’ even if perfect discriminability is assumed. System C is further interpreted as system of Qualitative Probability and its relations to the standard system of Qualitative Probability are analyzed. In the last section WM is compared with some other decision-models (Dominance-rule, Lexicographic-ordering, Majority-rule, Additive-difference-model), some possible interpretations of WM and the limits of WM are discussed.

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Huber, O. Nontransitive multidimensional preferences: Theoretical analysis of a model. Theor Decis 10, 147–165 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00126336

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