Revisiting Black–Scholes: A Smooth Wiener Approach to Derivation and a Self-Contained Solution
Annotatsiya
This study presents a self-contained derivation and solution of the Black and Scholes partial differential equation (PDE), replacing the standard Wiener process with a smoothed Wiener process, which is a differentiable stochastic process constructed via normal kernel smoothing. By presenting a self-contained, Itô-free derivation, this study bridges the gap between heuristic financial reasoning and rigorous mathematics, bringing forth fresh insights into one of the most influential models in quantitative finance. The smoothed Wiener process does not merely simplify the technical machinery but further reaffirms the robustness of the Black and Scholes framework under alternative mathematical formulations. This approach is particularly valuable for instructors, apprentices, and practitioners who may seek a deeper understanding of derivative pricing without relying on the full machinery of stochastic calculus. The derivation underscores the universality of the Black and Scholes PDE, irrespective of the specific stochastic process adopted, under the condition that the essential properties of stochasticity, volatility, and of no arbitrage may be preserved.