English

Cat's Dilemma - transitivity vs. intransitivity

Physics and Society 2007-05-23 v2 Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability

Abstract

We study a simple example of a sequential game illustrating problems connected with making rational decisions that are universal for social sciences. The set of chooser's optimal decisions that manifest his preferences in case of a constant strategy of the adversary (the offering player), is investigated. It turns out that the order imposed by the player's rational preferences can be intransitive. The presented quantitative results imply a revision of the "common sense" opinions stating that preferences showing intransitivity are paradoxical and undesired.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.physics/0408022,
  title  = {Cat's Dilemma - transitivity vs. intransitivity},
  author = {Edward W. Piotrowski and Marcin Makowski},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0408022},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

submitted to Fluctuation and Noise Letters