{"ID":23475083,"CreatedAt":"2026-09-18T01:09:05.407443952Z","UpdatedAt":"2026-09-20T18:11:56.143995915Z","DeletedAt":null,"paper_url":"https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.19841","arxiv_id":"2609.19841","title":"Pairwise comparisons meet optimal transport theory","abstract":"In this paper, we reinterpret pairwise comparison theory through the lens of optimal transport. The main contribution is the connection established between pairwise comparison matrices, doubly stochastic scaling, and entropy-regularized transport problems. Using Sinkhorn scaling, we show how consistency, priority derivation, and inconsistency assessment can be studied within a common optimal-transport framework. As methodological consequences of this connection, we obtain a new characterization of consistency, a Sinkhorn-based prioritization method, and an entropy-based inconsistency index. We study these proposals both analytically and numerically and compare them with established methods from the literature","short_abstract":"In this paper, we reinterpret pairwise comparison theory through the lens of optimal transport. The main contribution is the connection established between pairwise comparison matrices, doubly stochastic scaling, and entropy-regularized transport problems. Using Sinkhorn scaling, we show how consistency, priority deriv...","url_abs":"https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.19841","url_pdf":"https://arxiv.org/pdf/2609.19841v1","authors":"[\"Matteo Brunelli\",\"Silvia Lorenzini\"]","published":"2026-09-17T07:47:02Z","proceeding":"math.OC","tasks":"[\"math.OC\"]","methods":"[]","has_code":false}