Communication, Timing, and Common Learning

Jakub Steiner and Colin Stewart

No 1484, Discussion Papers from Northwestern University, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science

Abstract: We study the effect of stochastically delayed communication on common knowledge acquisition (common learning). If messages do not report dispatch times, communication prevents common learning under general conditions even if common knowledge is acquired without communication. If messages report dispatch times, communication can destroy common learning under more restrictive conditions. The failure of common learning in the two cases is based on divgerent infection arguments. Communication can destroy common learning even if it ends in finite time, or if agents communicate all of their information. We also identify conditions under which common learning is preserved in the presence of communication.

Keywords: communication; common learning; approximate common knowledge (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C72 D83 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010-01-18
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Communication, timing, and common learning (2011)
Working Paper: Communication, Timing, and Common Learning (2010)
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