The finagle point and the epsilon-core: A comment on Bräuninger’s proof

Abstract

The finagle point, the epsilon-core, and the yolk are all predictors of majority-rule decision-making in spatial voting models. These predictors each minimize a radius needed in some sense to alter preferences so as to achieve stability. Brauninger showed that the finagle radius is never smaller than the epsilon-core radius, and claimed that the finagle point is within the epsilon core. This article shows that the finagle radius is sandwiched in between the epsilon-core and yolk radii, and that there is a significant logical gap in Brauninger’s proof that the finagle point is within the epsilon-core. This article also examines Brauninger’s other conclusions in view of an inaccurate computation of the yolk, and shows that they are valid all the more so.