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The Neoclassical Growth Model with Time-Inconsistent Decision Making and Perfect Foresight

Author

Listed:
  • Kirill Borissov

    (European University at St. Petersburg, Russia)

  • Mikhail Pakhnin

    (European University at St. Petersburg, Russia)

  • Ronald Wendner

    (University of Graz, Austria)

Abstract

In this paper, we propose an approach to describe the behavior of naïve agents with quasi-hyperbolic discounting in the neoclassical growth model. To study time-inconsistent decision making of an agent who cannot commit to future actions, we introduce the notion of sliding equilibrium and distinguish between pseudo-perfect foresight and perfect foresight. The agent with pseudo-perfect foresight revises both the consumption path and expectations about prices; the agent with perfect foresight correctly foresees prices in a sliding equilibrium and is naive only about their time inconsistency. We prove the existence of sliding equilibria for the class of isoelastic utility functions and show that generically consumption paths are not the same under quasi-hyperbolic and exponential discounting. Observational equivalence only holds in the well-known cases of a constant interest rate or logarithmic utility. Our results suggest that perfect foresight implies a higher long-run capital stock and consumption level than pseudo-perfect foresight.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirill Borissov & Mikhail Pakhnin & Ronald Wendner, 2021. "The Neoclassical Growth Model with Time-Inconsistent Decision Making and Perfect Foresight," Graz Economics Papers 2021-08, University of Graz, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:grz:wpaper:2021-08
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Kirill Borissov & Mikhail Pakhnin & Ronald Wendner, 2022. "Kantian Optimization with Quasi-Hyperbolic Discounting," CESifo Working Paper Series 9790, CESifo.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Quasi-hyperbolic discounting; Observational equivalence; Time inconsistency; Naive agents; Sliding equilibrium; Perfect foresight.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D15 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Intertemporal Household Choice; Life Cycle Models and Saving
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General

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