Skip to main content

A Measure of Risk Aversion in Terms of Preferences

  • Chapter

Part of the book series: Theory and Decision Library ((TDLU,volume 47))

Abstract

The measure of risk aversion is usually given by the Arrow-Pratt index, which is referred to the neo-Bernoullian utility. But a more general measure is necessary if we accept that a preference model can be considered without assuming, for instance, the independence axiom. A new index of risk aversion is proposed in this paper. It requires only the existence of a certainty equivalent for each action. This index turns out to be zero when the von Neumann-Morgenstern axioms hold and its derivative to be proportional to the Arrow-Pratt index.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Allais, M.: 1979, “The So-Called Allais Paradox and Rational Decision under Uncertainty”, in M. Allais and O. Hagen (eds.), Expected Utility Hypotheses and the Allais Paradox, D. Reidel, Dordrecht (Holland).

    Google Scholar 

  • Arrow, K.J.: 1965, Aspects of the Theory of Risk Bearing, Yrjo Jahnssonian Saatio, Helsinki.

    Google Scholar 

  • von Neumann, J. and Morgenstern, O.: 1953, Theory of Games and Economic Behavior, 3rd ed., Princeton University Press, Princeton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pratt, J.W.: 1964, “Risk Aversion in the Small and in the Large”, Econometrica 32, 122–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1986 D. Reidel Publishing Company

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Montesano, A. (1986). A Measure of Risk Aversion in Terms of Preferences. In: Daboni, L., Montesano, A., Lines, M. (eds) Recent Developments in the Foundations of Utility and Risk Theory. Theory and Decision Library, vol 47. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4616-3_21

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4616-3_21

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8551-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-4616-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics