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Differentiability of von Neumann–Morgenstern utility functions

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  • Nakamura, Yutaka

Abstract

This paper studies necessary and sufficient preference-based conditions for differentiability of risk averse (prudent, or temperate) von Neumann–Morgenstern utility functions. The very idea to devise those conditions is based on the reverse claim of an old observation by Arrow that a risk-averse expected-utility maximizer will always accept a sufficiently small stake in any positive expected-value bet if her von Neumann–Morgenstern utility function is differentiable.

Suggested Citation

  • Nakamura, Yutaka, 2015. "Differentiability of von Neumann–Morgenstern utility functions," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 74-80.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:mateco:v:60:y:2015:i:c:p:74-80
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jmateco.2015.06.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Louis Eeckhoudt & Harris Schlesinger, 2006. "Putting Risk in Its Proper Place," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 96(1), pages 280-289, March.
    2. Lars Tyge Nielsen, 1999. "Differentiable von Neumann-Morgenstern utility," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 14(2), pages 285-296.
    3. Eeckhoudt, Louis & Gollier, Christian & Schneider, Thierry, 1995. "Risk-aversion, prudence and temperance: A unified approach," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 48(3-4), pages 331-336, June.
    4. L. Eeckhoudt & C. Gollier & H. Schlesinger, 2005. "Economic and financial decisions under risk," Post-Print hal-00325882, HAL.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wei Ma, 2018. "Random Expected Utility Theory with a Continuum of Prizes," Working Papers 201854, University of Pretoria, Department of Economics.
    2. Wei Ma, 2018. "Random expected utility theory with a continuum of prizes," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 271(2), pages 787-809, December.
    3. Wei Ma, 2018. "Random Expected Utility Theory with a Continuum of Prizes," Working Papers 760, Economic Research Southern Africa.

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