Cat's Dilemma - transitivity vs. intransitivity

Abstract

We study a simple example of a sequential game illustrating problems connected with making rational decisions that are universal for social sciences. The set of chooser's optimal decisions that manifest his preferences in case of a constant strategy of the adversary (the offering player), is investigated. It turns out that the order imposed by the player's rational preferences can be intransitive. The presented quantitative results imply a revision of the "common sense" opinions stating that preferences showing intransitivity are paradoxical and undesired.