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An ordinal solution to King Solomon’s dilemma

Author

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  • Gans, Joshua S.
  • Holden, Richard

Abstract

This paper examines mechanisms that can resolve ownership disputes when some agents know who the legitimate owner is, but others do not. The mechanism proposed is called “Solomonic” because it resolves the biblical dispute facing King Solomon over the true mother of a baby. It involves two stages of messages (claims) and yields truthful revelation using only ordinal restrictions on preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Gans, Joshua S. & Holden, Richard, 2025. "An ordinal solution to King Solomon’s dilemma," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 252(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:252:y:2025:i:c:s0165176525001703
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112333
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Subgame perfect implementation; Mechanism design; Ownership; Dispute resolution;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • K11 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Property Law

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