The Congruence Axiom and Path Independence

Abstract

This paper examines the connection between path independence and transitive rationalization of a choice function in a general domain where a choice function may not include all possible non-empty subsets of the universal set. Describing a sequential choice procedure, this paper shows that the requirement of path independence of a choice function is equivalent to Richter's Congruence Axiom and thus to its transitive rationalization. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Number: D11.