Making Choices
This book, first published in 1997, is an introductory overview of decision theory. It is completely non-technical, without a single formula in the book. Written in a crisp and clear style it succinctly covers the full range of philosophical issues of rationality and decision theory, including game theory, social choice theory, prisoner's dilemma and much else. The book aims to expand the scope and enrich the foundations of decision theory. By addressing such issues as ambivalence, inner conflict, and the constraints imposed upon us by our attachments to others, Frederic Schick reveals that our thinking is often more subtle than standard theories of rationality allow. Only a theory that respects that subtlety can illumine what is otherwise puzzling. The book contains many examples drawn from history and literature dealing with subjects such as love, war, friendship, and crime.
- Very broad coverage in a very small space; little book on a big topic
- Very clearly written with lots of examples drawn from history and literature
- The product of an established figure in the field, distilling years of experience of teaching decision theory
Reviews & endorsements
"The book is clearly, simply, and engagingly written with gripping examples..." Jonathan Adler, CUNY
"This short, elegantly written book sts itself an ambitious agenda, undertaking to offer an overview of individual decision making under certainty, under risk, when values are multidemensional, and when they are conflicted. The book ougt to put Schick's important contributions in prospective for contemporary philosophers of mind, morals, and decision making." Jrnl of Philosophy
Product details
February 1997Paperback
9780521588409
174 pages
216 × 140 × 12 mm
0.255kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Difficult choices
- 2. Having reasons
- 3. Rationality
- 4. Shaping up
- 5. Other people
- 6. Social choice
- 7. Choosing right.