Maxmin under risk

Fabio Maccheroni

Economic Theory, 2002, vol. 19, issue 4, 823-831

Abstract: Let $\succsim $ be a continuous and convex weak order on the set of lotteries defined over a set Z of outcomes. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given to guarantee the existence of a set $\mathcal{U}$ of utility functions defined on Z such that, for any lotteries p and q, \[ p\succsim q \Leftrightarrow \min_{u\in{\mathcal U}}{\Bbb E} _p\left[ u\right] \geq \min_{u\in{\mathcal U}}{\Bbb E} _q\left[ u\right] . \] The interpretation is simple: a conservative decision maker has an unclear evaluation of the different outcomes when facing lotteries. She then acts as if she were considering many expected utility evaluations and taking the worst one.

Keywords: Expected utility; Minimum expected utility; Nonexpected utility. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D81 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2002-02-06
Note: Received: January 19, 2000; revised version: December 20, 2000
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (26)

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