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Rationalization

Author

Listed:
  • Cherepanov, Vadim

    (Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania)

  • Feddersen, Timothy

    (MEDS Department, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University)

  • ,

    (MEDS Department, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University)

Abstract

In 1908 the Welsh neurologist and psychoanlayst Ernest Jones described human beings as rationalizers whose behavior is governed by "the necessity of providing an explanation." We construct a formal and testable model of rationalization in which a decision maker selects her preferred alternative from among those that she can rationalize.

Suggested Citation

  • Cherepanov, Vadim & Feddersen, Timothy & ,, 2013. "Rationalization," Theoretical Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 8(3), September.
    • Handle: RePEc:the:publsh:970
    as

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    File URL: http://econtheory.org/ojs/index.php/te/article/viewFile/20130775/9505/297
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Rationalization; revealed preferences;

    JEL classification:

    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles

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