Lemma IIA on Strict Preference
lemma staged

IIA on Strict Preference

Lemma. If $F$ satisfies IIA ([[social_choice.voting.iia]]), and two profiles $P$, $Q$ agree on the weak ranking of the pair $\{a, b\}$ in both directions ($P_i(a,b) \iff Q_i(a,b)$ and $P_i(b,a) \iff Q_i(b,a)$ for all $i$), then society's strict preference between $a$ and $b$ is the same under $P$ and $Q$: $$ a \succ_{F(P)} b \iff a \succ_{F(Q)} b. $$

Proof

Strict preference $\succ_R$ is defined as $R(a,b) \wedge \neg R(b,a)$ ([[social_choice.strict_preference]]). Both conjuncts are determined by the IIA-controlled weak rankings, so the strict comparison transfers between $P$ and $Q$. $\square$

In Lean: SocialChoice.Voting.iia_strict.

This is the workhorse algebraic lemma in the decisive-coalition Arrow proof ([[social_choice.voting.arrow_of_unanimity_iia]]): every step where the proof modifies a profile while preserving the $\{a,b\}$ pair-restricted profile invokes this lemma to keep society's strict $a$-vs-$b$ comparison fixed.

References

  • [MSZ Chapter 21] Maschler, Solan, and Zamir, Game Theory. IIA applied to strict comparisons.

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