On Consistency and Incoherence in Analytical Hierarchy Process and Intertemporal Choices Models

Abstract

A rational choice is based on conditions of coherence, that are universally accepted rules to which a decision-maker must comply in expressing his/her preferences. In this paper, we focus on two different approaches in decision-making processes, i.e. the Analytical Hierarchy Process and Intertemporal Choices models, highlighting the consistency conditions usually adopted. After a general discussion on consistence and incoherence in the framework of these two different approaches, we show that sometimes it is preferable to weaken or reinforce coherence conditions according to the specific context.