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Continuous utility on connected separable topological spaces

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  • Yann Rébillé

    (University of Nantes)

Abstract

The elaboration of utility theory takes back its source in early economic theory. Despite an obvious practical use for applications and an intuitive appeal, utility theory relies on sophisticated abstract mathematics such as topology. Our interest is primarily on Debreu–Eilenberg’s theorem. On connected separable topological spaces continuous total preorders admit continuous utility representations. We provide a simple proof and derive related results.

Suggested Citation

  • Yann Rébillé, 2019. "Continuous utility on connected separable topological spaces," Economic Theory Bulletin, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 7(1), pages 147-153, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:etbull:v:7:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s40505-018-0149-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s40505-018-0149-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Richter, Marcel K, 1980. "Continuous and Semi-Continuous Utility," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 21(2), pages 293-299, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. M. Ali Khan & Metin Uyanık, 2021. "Topological connectedness and behavioral assumptions on preferences: a two-way relationship," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 71(2), pages 411-460, March.
    2. Gianni Bosi & Magalì Zuanon, 2020. "Topologies for the continuous representability of every nontotal weakly continuous preorder," Economic Theory Bulletin, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 8(2), pages 369-378, October.
    3. Pedro Hack & Daniel A. Braun & Sebastian Gottwald, 2023. "The classification of preordered spaces in terms of monotones: complexity and optimization," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 94(4), pages 693-720, May.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Continuous utility; Preferences representation; Total preorder; Topological space;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C60 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - General
    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General
    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory

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