Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Christian List
Author-Email: christian.list@nuffield.ox.ac.uk
Author-Workplace-Name:Nuffield College, Oxford
Author-Workplace-Homepage:http://www.nuff.ox.ac.uk/
Title: A Model of Path-Dependence in Decisions over Multiple Propositions
Abstract:
  Decisions or arguments over multiple interconnected propositions
  are path-dependent if they depend on the order in which the propositions
  are considered. I develop a model of sequential decision or argumentation
  processes over multiple propositions, focussing on so-called modus ponens
  processes. I prove three main results. (1) Path-dependence occurs if and
  only if an individual’s or a group’s initial dispositions on a set of
  propositions violate deductive closure. (2) If we impose universal domain,
  anonymity and decisiveness on a (collective) modus ponens decision process,
  path-dependencies are unavoidable. (3) Path-dependence makes sequential
  decision or argumentation processes vulnerable to manipulation by changes
  of the decision-path and to manipulation by expression of untruthful views
  on the propositions. I discuss three escape-routes from the problem of
  path-dependence: the unanimity approach, the dictatorship approach, and
  the domain restriction approach.
Classification-JEL:D71, D72   
Length:30 pages
Creation-Date: 2002-05-20
Number:2002-W15
File-URL:http://www.nuff.ox.ac.uk/economics/papers/2002/w15/path-dep-nuffwp.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:nuf:econwp:0215