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

Author

Listed:
  • 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. Scott Duke Kominers, 2024. "Respect for Improvements and Comparative Statics in Matching Markets," The Journal of Mechanism and Institution Design, Society for the Promotion of Mechanism and Institution Design, University of York, vol. 9(1), pages 83-104, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Revealed preferences; infinite models;

    JEL classification:

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

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