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A Theory of Procedurally Rational Choice: Optimization without Evaluation

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Author Info
Stefano Ficco () (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
Vladimir Karamychev () (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
Peran van Reeven () (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)

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Abstract

This paper analyses the behavior of an individual who wants to maximize his utility function, but he is not able to evaluate it. There are many ways to choose a single alternative from a given set. We show that a unique utility maximizing procedure exists. Choices induced by this optimal procedure are always transitive but generally violate the Weak Axiom. In other words, utility maximizing individuals who are unable to evaluate their objective functions fail to exhibit rational revealed preferences.

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Paper provided by Tinbergen Institute in its series Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers with number 06-001/1.

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Date of creation: 06 Jan 2006
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Handle: RePEc:dgr:uvatin:20060001

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Related research
Keywords: Bounded rationality; optimal selection procedure; procedural rationality;

Find related papers by JEL classification:
D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

This paper has been announced in the following NEP Reports:

References listed on IDEAS
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  1. Kelvin J. Lancaster, 1966. "A New Approach to Consumer Theory," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 74, pages 132. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  2. Gil Kalai & Ariel Rubinstein & Ran Spiegler, 2002. "Rationalizing Choice Functions By Multiple Rationales," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 70(6), pages 2481-2488, November. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
    Other versions:
  3. Kahneman, Daniel & Tversky, Amos, 1979. "Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision under Risk," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 47(2), pages 263-91, March. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  4. Bettman, James R & Luce, Mary Frances & Payne, John W, 1998. " Constructive Consumer Choice Processes," Journal of Consumer Research: An Interdisciplinary Quarterly, University of Chicago Press, vol. 25(3), pages 187-217, December.
  5. Gilboa, Itzhak & Schmeidler, David, 1997. "Cumulative Utility and Consumer Theory," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 38(4), pages 737-61, November.
  6. Easley, David & Rustichini, Aldo, 2005. "Optimal guessing: Choice in complex environments," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 124(1), pages 1-21, September. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  7. Radner, Roy, 1993. "The Organization of Decentralized Information Processing," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 61(5), pages 1109-46, September. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  8. Paul R. Milgrom, 1981. "Good News and Bad News: Representation Theorems and Applications," Bell Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 12(2), pages 380-391, Autumn. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  9. de Palma, Andre & Myers, Gordon M & Papageorgiou, Yorgos Y, 1994. "Rational Choice under an Imperfect Ability to Choose," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 84(3), pages 419-40, June. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  10. Gilboa, Itzhak & Schmeidler, David, 1995. "Case-Based Decision Theory," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, MIT Press, vol. 110(3), pages 605-39, August. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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Cited by:
(explanations, Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.)

  1. Stefano Ficco & Vladimir Karamychev, 2009. "Preference for flexibility in the absence of learning: the risk attitude effect," Economic Theory, Springer, vol. 40(3), pages 405-426, September. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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