Interdependent preference models as a theory of intentions

We provide a preference framework for situations in which “intentions matter.” A behavioral type describes the individual’s observable characteristics and the individual’s personality. We define a canonical behavioral type space and provide a condition that identifies collections of behavioral types that are equivalent to components of the canonical type space. We also develop a reciprocity model within our framework and show how it enables us to distinguish between strategic (or instrumental) generosity and true generosity. † This research was supported by grants SES9911177, SES0236882, SES9905178 and SES0214050 from the National Science Foundation. We thank Stephen Morris and Phil Reny for their comments.