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On thoughtfulness and generosity in sequential decisions

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Abstract

In this article, we develop frameworks to study the notions of thoughtfulness and generosity in sequential choice situations involving two individuals. In such situations, by taking particular actions, an individual (the first mover) can induce various sets of alternatives to be available for the other individual (the second mover) to choose from. We view those sets of alternatives as opportunity sets reflecting degrees of thoughtfulness or generosity exhibited by the first mover toward the second mover. We axiomatically study several specific rules for ranking opportunity sets in terms of either thoughtfulness or generosity.

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Correspondence to Yongsheng Xu.

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It is an honor to dedicate this article to Prasanta K. Pattanaik whose thoughtfulness and generosity have been most inspiring.

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Tang, F.F., Xu, Y. On thoughtfulness and generosity in sequential decisions. Soc Choice Welf 37, 707–715 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00355-011-0575-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00355-011-0575-9

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