Aggregation and Representation of Preferences: Introduction to Mathematical Theory of Democracy - Hardcover

Andranick S. Tanguiane

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387538453 ISBN 13: 9780387538457

Publisher: Springer Verlag, 1991

Synopsis

This book is devoted to the revision of Arrow's paradox in social choice about the inconsistency of several natural assumptions. Two ways of overcoming the paradox are considered. The traditional approach, suggesting rejection of one of the axioms of social choice, is studied on two different models, and new concept of representativeness is introduced. It is shown that the concept of a dictator in Arrow's model is understood in an extended way, since certain dictators are representatives of the collective rather than dictators in a proper sense. Therefore, the prohibition of dictatorship should be refined, after which Arrow's axioms become consistent. The concept of representativeness is also applied to limited groups of individuals, making decisions on behalf of the whole collective-cabinets (multidictatorial representations with delimited competence, named by analogy with cabinets of ministers), and councils, making decisions by means of voting. The consideration has evident parallels with the three forms of political the president, the government, and the parliament.The proposed approach to the problem contributes to the substantiation of such an indirect way of realizing collective will as giving powers to elected representatives, used in all democratic systems.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387538453
• ISBN 13: 9780387538457
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 331