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Preference aggregation with heterogeneous beliefs and catastrophe risk

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  • Weijia Wang

    (Zhejiang Gongshang University)

Abstract

We propose a novel approach to preference aggregation that accounts for belief disagreements and catastrophe risks. By restricting the Pareto condition to cases involving common beliefs and independent risks—together with another mild axiom—our framework yields a convex aggregation of beliefs and either a linear or a multiplicative aggregation of utilities. Critically, the multiplicative formulation enables catastrophe avoidance, which is essential in contexts such as financial markets where correlated beliefs can lead to systemic risks. Our results further suggest that activities arising from belief heterogeneity, such as speculative trading, may be socially desirable from an ex-post catastrophe avoidance perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Weijia Wang, 2025. "Preference aggregation with heterogeneous beliefs and catastrophe risk," Journal of Economics, Springer, vol. 146(2), pages 263-279, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jeczfn:v:146:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s00712-025-00919-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s00712-025-00919-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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