CFDP 1294

Expected Utility Theory without the Completeness Axiom

Author(s): 
Juan DubraFabio MaccheroniEfe A. Ok

Publication Date: January 2001

Pages: 12

Abstract: 

We study axiomatically the problem of obtaining an expected utility representation for a potentially incomplete preference relation over lotteries by means of a set of von Neumann-Morgenstern utility functions. It is shown that, when the prize space is a compact metric space, a preference relation admits such a multi-utility representation provided that it satisfies the standard axioms of expected utility theory. Moreover, the representing set of utilities is unique in a well-defined sense.

Keywords: 

Expected utility, incomplete preferences

JEL Classification Codes:  D11, D81