The fair way to decide an election between two candidates a and b is majority rule; if more than half the electorate prefer a to b, then a is elected; otherwise b is elected. Arrow’s theorem asserts that no fair election procedure exists for choosing from among three or more candidates. This note gives an exposition of Arrow’s theorem. It also describes the relation of election procedures betwe...

In this paper we consider multilateral stochastic bargaining models with general agreement rules. For n-player games where in each period a player is randomly selected to allocate a stochastic level of surplus and q n players have to agree on a proposal to induce its acceptance, we characterize the set of stationary subgame perfect equilibrium payoffs and establish their existence. We show that...

Our model of multi-party negotiations is a many parties, many issues model. The whole multi-party negotiation consists of a set of mutually influencing bilateral negotiations that are focused on different bilateral issues. We propose to use majority rule to help parties reach group agreements. When a party is not satisfied with another party’s negotiation progress, he can send a primitive oppos...

In previous work, two axiomatic characterizations were given for the median function on median graphs: one involving the three simple and natural axioms anonymity, betweenness and consistency; the other involving faithfulness, consistency and 12 -Condorcet. To date, the independence of these axioms has not been a serious point of study. The aim of this paper is to provide the missing answers. T...

This paper sets the archetypal relationship between the tyrannical, devouring father and his sons in the context of a disjunction in the parental couple (syzygy) whereby the role of the maternal feminine is eclipsed and excluded. This is shown to originate in an omnipotent defence against infantile dependence on the mother. Successful liberation from the father's tyranny requires the restoratio...

This paper presents findings from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) prison study - an experimental case study that examined the consequences of randomly dividing men into groups of prisoners and guards within a specially constructed institution over a period of 8 days. Unlike the prisoners, the guards failed to identify with their role. This made the guards reluctant to impose their au...

The application and interpretation of the impact factor of a journal is fraught with problems, some of which are explored in this editorial.