The Value of Information - An Axiomatic Approach

Abstract : The following question is addressed: Given a real-valued function on the partitions of a measure space, what are necessary and sufficient conditions in order that it be the value of information function for a Bayesian decision maker? A characterization is provided, and the analysis reveals a close relationship to cooperative game theory. The tools developed for characterization can also be used to derive somewhat surprising results regarding the properties of information functions.