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To infinity and beyond: a general framework for scaling economic theories

Author

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  • Gonczarowski, Yannai A.

    (Department of Economics and Department of Computer Science, Harvard University)

  • Kominers, Scott Duke

    (Entrepreneurial Management Unit, Harvard Business School; Department of Economics and Center of Mathematical Sciences and Applications, Harvard University; and a16z crypto)

  • Shorrer, Ran I.

    (Department of Econonics, Penn State University)

Abstract

Many economic models incorporate finiteness assumptions that, while introduced for simplicity, play a real role in the analysis. We provide a principled framework for scaling results from such models by removing these finiteness assumptions. Our sufficient conditions are on the theorem statement only, and not on its proof. This results in short proofs, and even allows us to use the same argument to scale similar theorems that were proven using distinctly different tools. We demonstrate the versatility of our approach via an array of examples from revealed-preference theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Gonczarowski, Yannai A. & Kominers, Scott Duke & Shorrer, Ran I., 2025. "To infinity and beyond: a general framework for scaling economic theories," Theoretical Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 20(2), May.
    • Handle: RePEc:the:publsh:5878
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    3. Bando, Keisuke & Kawasaki, Ryo, 2024. "Stability and substitutability in multi-period matching markets," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 533-553.

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    • C02 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General - - - Mathematical Economics
    • D00 - Microeconomics - - General - - - General

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