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Uncertain discount and hyperbolic preferences

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  • Daniele Pennesi

    (Université de Cergy-Pontoise, THEMA)

Abstract

When the discount rate is uncertain, individuals whose preferences are consistent with discounted expected utility, exhibit diminishing impatience. This paper introduces and characterizes a variation of discounted expected utility in which the discount rate depends on the state of the nature that will occur. Quasi-hyperbolic discounting and the model of Dasgupta and Maskin (2005) are particular cases. The present bias disappears when the immediate payoff becomes uncertain. Commitment may be detrimental unless the discount rate is constant.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniele Pennesi, 2015. "Uncertain discount and hyperbolic preferences," THEMA Working Papers 2015-02, THEMA (THéorie Economique, Modélisation et Applications), Université de Cergy-Pontoise.
    • Handle: RePEc:ema:worpap:2015-02
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    Cited by:

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    3. Shou Chen & Richard Fu & Lei Wedge & Ziran Zou, 2019. "Non-hyperbolic discounting and dynamic preference reversal," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 86(2), pages 283-302, March.
    4. Shotaro Shiba & Kazumi Shimizu, 2018. "Does time inconsistency differ between gain and loss? An intra-personal comparison using a non-parametric elicitation method (A revised version)," Working Papers 1807, Waseda University, Faculty of Political Science and Economics.
    5. Anchugina, Nina & Ryan, Matthew & Slinko, Arkadii, 2019. "Mixing discount functions: Implications for collective time preferences," Mathematical Social Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 1-14.
    6. Epper, Thomas & Fehr-Duda, Helga, 2017. "A Tale of Two Tails: On the Coexistence of Overweighting and Underweighting of Rare Extreme Events," Economics Working Paper Series 1705, University of St. Gallen, School of Economics and Political Science.
    7. Shotaro Shiba & Kazumi Shimizu, 2020. "Does time inconsistency differ between gain and loss? An intra-personal comparison using a non-parametric elicitation method," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 88(3), pages 431-452, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Diminishing Impatience; Uncertainty; Hyperbolic Discounting; Time Inconsistency;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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