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Subjective random discounting and intertemporal choice

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  • Higashi, Youichiro
  • Hyogo, Kazuya
  • Takeoka, Norio

Abstract

This paper provides an axiomatic foundation for a particular type of preference shock model called the random discounting representation where a decision maker believes that her discount factors change randomly over time. For this purpose, we formulate an infinite horizon extension of [E. Dekel, B. Lipman, A. Rustichini, Representing preferences with a unique subjective state space, Econometrica 69 (2001) 891-934], and identify the behavior that reduces all subjective uncertainties to those about future discount factors. We also show uniqueness of subjective belief about discount factors. Moreover, a behavioral comparison about preference for flexibility characterizes the condition that one's subjective belief second-order stochastically dominates the other. Finally, the resulting model is applied to a consumption-savings problem.

Suggested Citation

  • Higashi, Youichiro & Hyogo, Kazuya & Takeoka, Norio, 2009. "Subjective random discounting and intertemporal choice," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 144(3), pages 1015-1053, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jetheo:v:144:y:2009:i:3:p:1015-1053
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    Cited by:

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    2. van Buggenum, Hugo, 2023. "Coexistence of money and interest-bearing bonds," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    3. Youichiro Higashi & Kazuya Hyogo & Norio Takeoka & Hiroyuki Tanaka, 2017. "Comparative impatience under random discounting," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 63(3), pages 621-651, March.
    4. Philipp Sadowski, 2011. "Contingent Preference for Flexibility: Eliciting Beliefs from Behavior," Levine's Working Paper Archive 661465000000001189, David K. Levine.
    5. Camargo, Braz & Lester, Benjamin, 2014. "Trading dynamics in decentralized markets with adverse selection," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 534-568.
    6. Daniele Pennesi, 2017. "Uncertain discount and hyperbolic preferences," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 83(3), pages 315-336, October.
    7. Dionne, Georges & Gauthier, Geneviève & Hammami, Khemais & Maurice, Mathieu & Simonato, Jean-Guy, 2011. "A reduced form model of default spreads with Markov-switching macroeconomic factors," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 35(8), pages 1984-2000, August.
    8. Dillenberger, David & Krishna, R. Vijay & Sadowski, Philipp, 2023. "Subjective information choice processes," Theoretical Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 18(2), May.
    9. Youichiro Higashi & Kazuya Hyogo & Gil Riella, 2020. "Dynamically Consistent Menu Preferences," KIER Working Papers 1047, Kyoto University, Institute of Economic Research.
    10. van Buggenum, Hugo, 2021. "Coexistence of Money and Interest-Bearing Bonds," Other publications TiSEM 0bd7c6fc-3779-4bf3-9100-0, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    11. Eddie Dekel & Barton L. Lipman, 2012. "Costly Self‐Control and Random Self‐Indulgence," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 80(3), pages 1271-1302, May.
    12. David Dillenberger & Philipp Sadowski & Juan Sebastian Lleras & Norio Takeoka, 2012. "A Theory of Subjective Learning," PIER Working Paper Archive 12-034, Penn Institute for Economic Research, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania.
    13. Koida, Nobuo, 2022. "Indecisiveness, preference for flexibility, and a unique subjective state space," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    14. John Stachurski & Junnan Zhang, 2019. "Dynamic Programming with State-Dependent Discounting," Papers 1908.08800, arXiv.org, revised Oct 2020.
    15. David Dillenberger & Philipp Sadowski, 2011. "Models of Subjective Learning," PIER Working Paper Archive 11-042, Penn Institute for Economic Research, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania.
    16. David Dillenberger & Juan Sebastian Lleras & Philipp Sadowski & Norio Takeoka, 2012. "A Theory of Subjective Learning," Levine's Working Paper Archive 786969000000000583, David K. Levine.
    17. Dillenberger, David & Lleras, Juan Sebastián & Sadowski, Philipp & Takeoka, Norio, 2014. "A theory of subjective learning," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 287-312.
    18. Higashi, Youichiro & Hyogo, Kazuya & Takeoka, Norio, 2014. "Stochastic endogenous time preference," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 77-92.
    19. Lu, Jay & Saito, Kota, 2018. "Random intertemporal choice," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 780-815.
    20. David Dillenberger & Philipp Sadowski, 2011. "Subjective Learning, Second Version," PIER Working Paper Archive 12-007, Penn Institute for Economic Research, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania, revised 07 Mar 2012.
    21. Tang, Rui & Zhang, Mu, 2023. "Motivated naivete," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).

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