Independence of irrelevant alternatives is a principle in decision theory and voting systems that asserts the preference between two options should not be affected by the presence or absence of other irrelevant alternatives. This concept highlights how the choice made by individuals or groups can be influenced by alternatives that do not have a direct impact on the original decision, leading to potential inconsistencies in choice mechanisms. Understanding this principle is crucial for analyzing negotiation outcomes, auction designs, and voting behavior, as it underscores the importance of context in decision-making processes.
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