Skip to main content
Log in

On representation of monotone preference orders in a sequence space

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Social Choice and Welfare Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the relation between scalar continuity and representability of monotone preference orders in a sequence space. Scalar continuity is shown to be sufficient for representability of a monotone preference order and easy to verify in concrete examples. Generalizing this result, we show that a condition, which restricts the extent of scalar discontinuity of a monotone preference order, ensures representability. We relate this condition to the well-known order dense property, which is both necessary and sufficient for representability.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Asheim GB, Mitra T, Tungodden B (2012) Sustainable recursive social welfare functions. Econ Theory 49: 267–292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Basu K, Mitra T (2003) Aggregating infinite utility streams with intergenerational equity: the impossibility of being Paretian. Econometrica 79: 557–1563

    Google Scholar 

  • Beardon AF, Mehta GB (1994) The utility theorems of Wold, Debreu and Arrow-Hahn. Econometrica 62: 181–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beardon AF, Candeal JC, Herden G, Induráin E, Mehta GB (2002) The non-existence of a utility function and the structure of non-representable preference relations. J Math Econ 37(1): 17–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bridges DS, Mehta GB (1995) Representations of preference orderings. Springer, Berlin

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • d’Aspremont C, Gevers L (2002) Social welfare functionals and interpersonal comparability. In: Arrow K, Sen A, Suzumura K (eds) Handbook of social choice and welfare, vol 1. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 459–541

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Debreu G (1954) Representation of a preference ordering by a numerical function. In: Thrall RM, Coombs CH, Davis RL (eds) Decision processes. Wiley, New York, pp 159–165

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamond P (1965) The evaluation of infinite utility streams. Econometrica 33: 170–177

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fishburn PC (1970) Utility theory for decision making. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Hara C, Shinotsuka T, Suzumura K, Xu Y (2008) On the possibility of continuous, Paretian and Egalitarian evaluation of infinite utility streams. Soc Choice Welf 31(2): 179–191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koopmans TC (1960) Stationary ordinal utility and impatience. Econometrica 28: 287–309

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kreps D (1988) Notes on the theory of choice. Westview Press, Boulder

    Google Scholar 

  • Lauwers L (2010) Ordering infinite utility streams comes at the cost of a non-Ramsey set. J Math Econ 46: 32–37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitra T, Ozbek MK (2010) On representation and weighted utilitarian representation of preference orders on finite utility streams. CAE Working Paper 10-05, Cornell University, Ithaca

  • Munkres J (1975) Topology. Prentice Hall, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Peleg B (1970) Utility functions for partially ordered topological spaces. Econometrica 38: 93–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Svensson LG (1980) Equity among generations. Econometrica 48: 1251–1256

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Voorneveld M, Weibull JW (2009) Outer measure and utility. Working Paper Series in Economics and Finance 704, Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm

  • Weibull JW (1985) Discounted-value representations of temporal preferences. Math Oper Res 10: 244–250

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wold H (1943) A Synthesis of pure demand analysis, I, II and III. Scand Aktuarietidskr 26:85–118, 220–263, 69–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Zame WR (2007) Can intergenerational equity be operationalized?. Theor Econ 2: 187–202

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Kemal Ozbek.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mitra, T., Ozbek, M.K. On representation of monotone preference orders in a sequence space. Soc Choice Welf 41, 473–487 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00355-012-0693-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00355-012-0693-z

Keywords

Navigation