A simple proof of Suzumuras extension theorem for finite domains with applications英文文献资料.docVIP

JOURNALOFAPPLIEDMATHEMATICSANDDECISIONSCIENCES,6(3),183–190 Copyright c 2002,LawrenceErlbaumAssociates, Inc. A Simple Proof of Suzumura’s Extension Theorem for Finite Domains With Applications SOMDEB LAHIRI? 060lah@mentor.edcm.wits.ac.za Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India and School of Economic and Busi- ness Sciences, University of Witwatersrand at Johannesburg, South Africa. Abstract. In this paper we provide a simple proof of the extension theorem for par- tial orderings due to Suzumura [1983] when the domain of the partial order is ?nite. The extension theorem due to Szpilrajn [1930] follows from this theorem. Szpilrajns extension theorem is used to show that an asymmetric binary relation is contained in the asymmetric part of a linear order if and only if it is acyclic. This theorem is then applied to prove three results. Finally we introduce the concept of a threshold choice function,andourthirdresultsaysthatsuchchoicefunctionsaretheonlyonestosatisfy apropertycalledfunctionalacyclicity. Keywords: PartialOrderings,ExtensionTheorem,ThresholdChoiceFunction. 1. Introduct ion In this paper we provide a simple proof of the extension theorem for part ial orderings due to Suzumura [1983] when the domain of the part ial order is ?nite. The extension theorem due to Szpilra jn [1930] follows from this theorem. Szpilra jn’s extension theorem is used to show that an asymmet ric binary relat ion is contained in the asymmet ric part of a linear order if and only if it is acyclic. This theorem is then applied to prove three result s. The ?rst result implied by two theorems in Aizerman and Malishevsky [1981], (see Aizerman and Aleskerov [1995] as well) says that the asymmet ric part of a quasi-t ransit ive binary relat ion can be expressed as the intersection of the asymmet ric part s of orders. The well known result due to Dushnik and Miller [1941], which states that any asymmet ric and trans