Abstract
In this paper, we present a new simple axiomatization of useful topologies, i.e., topologies on an arbitrary set, with respect to which every continuous total preorder admits a continuous utility representation. In particular, we show that, for completely regular spaces, a topology is useful, if and only if it is separable, and every isolated chain of open and closed sets is countable. As a specific application to optimization theory, we characterize the continuous representability of all continuous total preorders, which admit both a maximal and a minimal element.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Herden, G.: Topological spaces for which every continuous total preorder can be represented by a continuous utility function. Math. Soc. Sci. 22, 123–136 (1991)
Herden, G.: On the existence of utility functions. Math. Soc. Sci. 17, 297–313 (1989)
Herden, G.: On the existence of utility functions II. Math. Soc. Sci. 18, 107–117 (1989)
Herden, G., Pallack, A.: Useful topologies and separable systems. Appl. Gen. Topol. 1, 61–81 (2000)
Candeal, J.C., Hervés, C., Induráin, E.: Some results on representation and extension of preferences. J. Math. Econ. 29, 75–81 (1998)
Campión, M.J., Candeal, J.C., Induráin, E.: The existence of utility functions for weakly continuous preferences on a Banach space. Math. Soc. Sci. 51, 227–237 (2006)
Campión, M.J., Candeal, J.C., Induráin, E., Mehta, G.B.: Representable topologies and locally connected spaces. Topol. Appl. 154, 2040–2049 (2007)
Campión, M.J., Candeal, J.C., Induráin, E.: Preorderable topologies and order-representability of topological spaces. Topol. Appl. 156, 2971–2978 (2009)
Campión, M.J., Candeal, J.C., Induráin, E., Mehta, G.B.: Continuous order representability properties of topological spaces and algebraic structures. J. Korean Math. Soc. 49, 449–473 (2012)
Eilenberg, S.: Ordered topological spaces. Am. J. Math. 63, 39–45 (1941)
Debreu, G.: Representation of a preference ordering by a numerical function. In: Thrall, R., Coombs, C., Davies, R. (eds.) Decision Processes. Wiley, New York (1954)
Debreu, G.: Continuity properties of Paretian utility. Int. Econ. Rev. 5, 285–293 (1964)
Estévez, M., Hervés, C.: On the existence of continuous preference orderings without utility representation. J. Math. Econ. 24, 305–309 (1995)
Bosi, G., Herden, G.: The structure of useful topologies. J. Math. Econ. 82, 69–73 (2019)
Steen, L.A., Seebach, J.A.: Counterexamples in Topology, 2nd edn. Springer, Heidelberg (1978)
Bosi, G., Zuanon, M.: Continuity and continuous multi-utility representations of nontotal preorders: some considerations concerning restrictiveness. In: Bosi, G., Campión, M.J., Candeal, J.C., Induráin, E. (eds.) Mathematical Topics on Representations of Ordered Structures and Utility Theory, Book in Honour of G. B. Mehta, pp. 213–236. Springer, New York (2020)
Herden, G., Pallack, A.: On the continuous analogue of the Szpilrajn Theorem I. Math. Soc. Sci. 43, 115–134 (2000)
Cigler, J., Reichel, H.C.: Topologie. Bibliographisches Institut, Mannheim-Wien-Zürich (1978)
Aliprantis, C.D., Border, K.C.: Infinite Dimensional Analysis: A Hitchhiker’s Guide. Springer, New York (2006)
Gutiérrez, J.M.: A characterization of compactness through preferences. Math. Soc. Sci. 57, 131–133 (2009)
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge many helpful suggestions of two anonymous referees.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Communicated by Juan-Enrique Martinez Legaz.
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
This paper is dedicated to the memory of Professor Gerhard Herden, who passed away on January 30, 2019. He was a friend and an exceptionally clever mathematician. We are deeply indebted to him.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bosi, G., Zuanon, M. Topologies for the Continuous Representability of All Continuous Total Preorders. J Optim Theory Appl 188, 420–431 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10957-020-01790-y
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10957-020-01790-y