Type Indeterminacy: A Model for the KT(Kahneman-Tversky)-Man

In this paper, we propose to use elements of the mathematical formalism of Quantum Mechanics to capture the idea that agents' preferences, in addition to being typically uncertain, can also be indeterminate. They are determined (i.e., realized, and not merely revealed) only when the action takes place. An agent is described by a state that is a superposition of potential types (or preferences or behaviors). This superposed state is projected (or ''collapses'') onto one of the possible behaviors at the time of the interaction. In addition to the main goal of modeling uncertainty of preferences that is not due to lack of information, this formalism seems to be adequate to describe widely observed phenomena of non-commutativity in patterns of behavior.We explore some implications of our approach in a comparison between classical and type indeterminate rational choice behavior. The potential of the approach is illustrated in two examples.

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Field Value
Source https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00791905
Author Zwirn, Hervé, Lambert-Mogiliansky, Ariane
Maintainer CCSD
Last Updated May 14, 2026, 07:02 (UTC)
Created May 14, 2026, 07:02 (UTC)
Identifier halshs-00791905
Language en
contributor Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay (ENS Paris Saclay)
creator Zwirn, Hervé
date 2006-05-14T00:00:00
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harvest_source_id 3374d638-d20b-4672-ba96-a23232d55657
harvest_source_title test moissonnage SELUNE
metadata_modified 2025-05-14T00:00:00
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