The Problem of State-Dependent Utility: A Reappraisal

Jean Baccelli (1)

1 MCMP - Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy

State-dependent utility is a problem for the behavioral branch of decision theory under uncertainty. It questions the very possibility that beliefs be revealed by choice data. According to the current literature, all models of beliefs are equally exposed to the problem. Moreover, the problem is solvable only when the decision-maker can influence the resolution of uncertainty. This paper gives grounds to reject these two views. The various models of beliefs can be shown to be unequally exposed to the problem of state-dependent utility. The problem can be argued to be solved even when the decision-maker has no influence over the resolution of uncertainty. The implications of such reappraisal for a philosophical appreciation of the revealed preference methodology are discussed.

Domaines: Philosophie; Economies et finances; Histoire, Philosophie et Sociologie des sciences

Jean Baccelli. The Problem of State-Dependent Utility: A Reappraisal. British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 2019, ⟨10.1093/bjps/axz024⟩. ⟨hal-02172207⟩