Practical Rationality and Preference

By Christopher W. Morris (editor), Arthur Ripstein (editor),

Book cover of Practical Rationality and Preference: Essays for David Gauthier

Book description

What are preferences and are they reasons for action? Is it rational to cooperate with others even if that entails acting against one's preferences? The dominant position in philosophy on the topic of practical rationality is that one acts so as to maximize the satisfaction of one's preferences. This view…

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Chrisoula Andreou

Author

This collection delves into some intriguing issues regarding rationality and morality.

At its heart is an issue with roots in ancient philosophy that philosophers have been seeking to address with increasing sophistication, namely: Can one rationally and consistently undertake and follow through on a commitment that prompts one to choose an option other than the one that one favors most? Such commitment and resoluteness seem self-defeating.

Yet, a readiness to so commit and follow through is arguably essential for gaining certain otherwise unattainable opportunities and can thus be advantageous.

For some (including the philosopher whose work this collection honors), this…

From Chrisoula's list on essay collections wth themes being tempted or torn.