Author Description
For several decades, David Gauthier has been one of the leading philosophers working on practical rationality and deliberation. This book presents a selection of Gauthier's writings on these topics, all but two of which were written after Morals by Agreement (OUP, 1986). They represent Gauthier's most important contributions to the theory of practical reason, moving some distance from the view a first presented in "Reason and Maximization" and developed in a much-reprinted chapter of Morals by Agreement. These essays challenge common misconceptions of Gauthier's revisionist conception of practical rationality, and provide important insights with implications for economic theory.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This collection investigates the nature of practical rationality and the mechanisms of deliberation within the framework of moral and economic decision-making. David Gauthier, a prominent philosopher in the field of rational choice theory, compiles his post-1986 essays to refine and clarify his revisionist stance on how individuals should deliberate. The text serves to address common misinterpretations of his earlier work while expanding the application of his theories to broader economic contexts.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of practical reason and its evolution since the publication of Morals by Agreement
- Theoretical frameworks concerning rational choice and maximization
- Discussions on the intersection of philosophical deliberation and economic theory
Scope Limits
- The collection does not provide a comprehensive overview of Gauthier's entire career, focusing specifically on post-1986 developments
- The text does not offer a general introduction to ethics, assuming a baseline familiarity with analytic philosophy
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and students of moral philosophy frequently cite this volume as a critical resource for understanding the nuances of Gauthier's later thought. Readers often note the technical density of the prose, which is intended for those already engaged in advanced discourse regarding rational choice theory.
Page Count:
356
Publication Date:
2022-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0192654705
ISBN-13:
9780192654700
Philosophy
Political Philosophy
Economic Theory
Practical reason
Ethics
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