A Characterization of Lexicographic Preferences

This paper characterizes lexicographic preferences over alternatives that are identified by a finite number of attributes. Our characterization is based on two key concepts: weaker notion continuity called “mild continuity” (strict preference order between any different with respect to every attribute preserved around their small neighborhoods) and an “unhappy set” (any alternative outside such set preferred all inside). Three aspects our as follows: (i) we use arguments; (ii) the stepwise approach looking at attributes time; (iii) in contrast previous literature, do not impose noncompensation consider condition.