Rationality

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Rationality

Steven Pinker
Rationality Book PDF

Author : Steven Pinker
Publisher : Penguin UK
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2021-09-28
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780241380307

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Rationality by Steven Pinker Pdf

A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021 'Punchy, funny and invigorating ... Pinker is the high priest of rationalism' Sunday Times 'If you've ever considered taking drugs to make yourself smarter, read Rationality instead. It's cheaper, more entertaining, and more effective' Jonathan Haidt, author of The Righteous Mind In the twenty-first century, humanity is reaching new heights of scientific understanding - and at the same time appears to be losing its mind. How can a species that discovered vaccines for Covid-19 in less than a year produce so much fake news, quack cures and conspiracy theorizing? In Rationality, Pinker rejects the cynical cliché that humans are simply an irrational species - cavemen out of time fatally cursed with biases, fallacies and illusions. After all, we discovered the laws of nature, lengthened and enriched our lives and set the benchmarks for rationality itself. Instead, he explains, we think in ways that suit the low-tech contexts in which we spend most of our lives, but fail to take advantage of the powerful tools of reasoning we have built up over millennia: logic, critical thinking, probability, causal inference, and decision-making under uncertainty. These tools are not a standard part of our educational curricula, and have never been presented clearly and entertainingly in a single book - until now. Rationality matters. It leads to better choices in our lives and in the public sphere, and is the ultimate driver of social justice and moral progress. Brimming with insight and humour, Rationality will enlighten, inspire and empower. 'A terrific book, much-needed for our time' Peter Singer

Minimal Rationality

Christopher Cherniak
Minimal Rationality Book PDF

Author : Christopher Cherniak
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 180 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 1990-03-14
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 0262530872

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Minimal Rationality by Christopher Cherniak Pdf

In Minimal Rationality, Christopher Cherniak boldly challenges the myth of Man the the Rational Animal and the central role that the "perfectly rational agent" has had in philosophy, psychology, and other cognitive sciences, as well as in economics. His book presents a more realistic theory based on the limits to rationality which can play a similar generative role in the human sciences, and it seeks to determine the minimal rationality an actual agent must possess.

The Handbook of Rationality

Markus Knauff,Wolfgang Spohn
The Handbook of Rationality Book PDF

Author : Markus Knauff,Wolfgang Spohn
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 879 pages
File Size : 46,5 Mb
Release : 2021-12-14
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 9780262045070

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The Handbook of Rationality by Markus Knauff,Wolfgang Spohn Pdf

The first reference on rationality that integrates accounts from psychology and philosophy, covering descriptive and normative theories from both disciplines. Both analytic philosophy and cognitive psychology have made dramatic advances in understanding rationality, but there has been little interaction between the disciplines. This volume offers the first integrated overview of the state of the art in the psychology and philosophy of rationality. Written by leading experts from both disciplines, The Handbook of Rationality covers the main normative and descriptive theories of rationality—how people ought to think, how they actually think, and why we often deviate from what we can call rational. It also offers insights from other fields such as artificial intelligence, economics, the social sciences, and cognitive neuroscience. The Handbook proposes a novel classification system for researchers in human rationality, and it creates new connections between rationality research in philosophy, psychology, and other disciplines. Following the basic distinction between theoretical and practical rationality, the book first considers the theoretical side, including normative and descriptive theories of logical, probabilistic, causal, and defeasible reasoning. It then turns to the practical side, discussing topics such as decision making, bounded rationality, game theory, deontic and legal reasoning, and the relation between rationality and morality. Finally, it covers topics that arise in both theoretical and practical rationality, including visual and spatial thinking, scientific rationality, how children learn to reason rationally, and the connection between intelligence and rationality.

Rationality and Logic

Robert Hanna
Rationality and Logic Book PDF

Author : Robert Hanna
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 341 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 2009-01-23
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780262263115

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Rationality and Logic by Robert Hanna Pdf

An argument that logic is intrinsically psychological and human psychology is intrinsically logical, and that the connection between human rationality and logic is both constitutive and mutual. In Rationality and Logic, Robert Hanna argues that logic is intrinsically psychological and that human psychology is intrinsically logical. He claims that logic is cognitively constructed by rational animals (including humans) and that rational animals are essentially logical animals. In order to do so, he defends the broadly Kantian thesis that all (and only) rational animals possess an innate cognitive "logic faculty." Hanna's claims challenge the conventional philosophical wisdom that sees logic as a fully formal or "topic-neutral" science irreconcilably separate from the species- or individual-specific focus of empirical psychology.Logic and psychology went their separate ways after attacks by Frege and Husserl on logical psychologism—the explanatory reduction of logic to empirical psychology. Hanna argues, however, that—despite the fact that logical psychologism is false—there is an essential link between logic and psychology. Rational human animals constitute the basic class of cognizers or thinkers studied by cognitive psychology; given the connection between rationality and logic that Hanna claims, it follows that the nature of logic is significantly revealed to us by cognitive psychology. Hanna's proposed "logical cognitivism" has two important consequences: the recognition by logically oriented philosophers that psychologists are their colleagues in the metadiscipline of cognitive science; and radical changes in cognitive science itself. Cognitive science, Hanna argues, is not at bottom a natural science; it is both an objective or truth-oriented science and a normative human science, as is logic itself.

Bounded Rationality

Sanjit Dhami,Cass R. Sunstein
Bounded Rationality Book PDF

Author : Sanjit Dhami,Cass R. Sunstein
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 553 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2022-07-12
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9780262543705

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Bounded Rationality by Sanjit Dhami,Cass R. Sunstein Pdf

Two leaders in the field explore the foundations of bounded rationality and its effects on choices by individuals, firms, and the government. Bounded rationality recognizes that human behavior departs from the perfect rationality assumed by neoclassical economics. In this book, Sanjit Dhami and Cass R. Sunstein explore the foundations of bounded rationality and consider the implications of this approach for public policy and law, in particular for questions about choice, welfare, and freedom. The authors, both recognized as experts in the field, cover a wide range of empirical findings and assess theoretical work that attempts to explain those findings. Their presentation is comprehensive, coherent, and lucid, with even the most technical material explained accessibly. They not only offer observations and commentary on the existing literature but also explore new insights, ideas, and connections. After examining the traditional neoclassical framework, which they refer to as the Bayesian rationality approach (BRA), and its empirical issues, Dhami and Sunstein offer a detailed account of bounded rationality and how it can be incorporated into the social and behavioral sciences. They also discuss a set of models of heuristics-based choice and the philosophical foundations of behavioral economics. Finally, they examine libertarian paternalism and its strategies of “nudges.”

The Rationality Quotient

Keith E. Stanovich,Richard F. West,Maggie E. Toplak
The Rationality Quotient Book PDF

Author : Keith E. Stanovich,Richard F. West,Maggie E. Toplak
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 479 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2016-09-30
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 9780262034845

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The Rationality Quotient by Keith E. Stanovich,Richard F. West,Maggie E. Toplak Pdf

How to assess critical aspects of cognitive functioning that are not measured by IQ tests: rational thinking skills. Why are we surprised when smart people act foolishly? Smart people do foolish things all the time. Misjudgments and bad decisions by highly educated bankers and money managers, for example, brought us the financial crisis of 2008. Smart people do foolish things because intelligence is not the same as the capacity for rational thinking. The Rationality Quotient explains that these two traits, often (and incorrectly) thought of as one, refer to different cognitive functions. The standard IQ test, the authors argue, doesn't measure any of the broad components of rationality—adaptive responding, good judgment, and good decision making. The authors show that rational thinking, like intelligence, is a measurable cognitive competence. Drawing on theoretical work and empirical research from the last two decades, they present the first prototype for an assessment of rational thinking analogous to the IQ test: the CART (Comprehensive Assessment of Rational Thinking). The authors describe the theoretical underpinnings of the CART, distinguishing the algorithmic mind from the reflective mind. They discuss the logic of the tasks used to measure cognitive biases, and they develop a unique typology of thinking errors. The Rationality Quotient explains the components of rational thought assessed by the CART, including probabilistic and scientific reasoning; the avoidance of “miserly” information processing; and the knowledge structures needed for rational thinking. Finally, the authors discuss studies of the CART and the social and practical implications of such a test. An appendix offers sample items from the test.

Aspects of Rationality

Raymond S. Nickerson
Aspects of Rationality Book PDF

Author : Raymond S. Nickerson
Publisher : Psychology Press
Page : 522 pages
File Size : 53,9 Mb
Release : 2012-10-02
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 9781136676345

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Aspects of Rationality by Raymond S. Nickerson Pdf

What does it mean to be rational – to reason well and effectively? How does rationality, broadly conceived, relate to the knowledge one acquires, the beliefs one forms, the explanations one constructs or appropriates, the judgments and decisions one makes, the values one adopts? What is the character of human reasoning and, in particular, does it tend to be rational? Much has been written about human rationality – or lack thereof. In recent years, some writers have focused attention on the numerous ways in which people appear not to be rational, at least if being rational is taken to mean always thinking or behaving in accordance with some normative standard. Others have argued that, if human reasoning is as flawed as this work suggests, it is a wonder that we, as a species, are around to notice the fact. This book examines much of the experimental research on reasoning as it relates to a variety of conceptions of rationality, not limited to conformity of thought and behavior or to the dictates of one or another normative system. The discussion focuses on specific topics that represent essential aspects of any adequately inclusive conception of rationality: intelligence and knowledge; beliefs; goals, values and affect; explanations; judgment and choice; understanding and wisdom.

Rationality

Nicholas Rescher
Rationality Book PDF

Author : Nicholas Rescher
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 1988
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : UOM:39015014212818

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Rationality by Nicholas Rescher Pdf

Contending that only a normative theory of rationality can be adequate to the complexities of the subject, this book explains and defends the view that rationality consists of the intelligent pursuit of appropriate objectives. Rescher considers the mechanics, rationale, and rewards of reason, and argues that social scientists who want to present a theory of rationality while avoiding the vexing complexities of normative deliberations must amend their perspective of the rational enterprise.

The Limits of Rationality

Karen Schweers Cook,Margaret Levi
The Limits of Rationality Book PDF

Author : Karen Schweers Cook,Margaret Levi
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
Page : 436 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2008-10-03
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780226742410

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The Limits of Rationality by Karen Schweers Cook,Margaret Levi Pdf

Prevailing economic theory presumes that agents act rationally when they make decisions, striving to maximize the efficient use of their resources. Psychology has repeatedly challenged the rational choice paradigm with persuasive evidence that people do not always make the optimal choice. Yet the paradigm has proven so successful a predictor that its use continues to flourish, fueled by debate across the social sciences over why it works so well. Intended to introduce novices to rational choice theory, this accessible, interdisciplinary book collects writings by leading researchers. The Limits of Rationality illuminates the rational choice paradigm of social and political behavior itself, identifies its limitations, clarifies the nature of current controversies, and offers suggestions for improving current models. In the first section of the book, contributors consider the theoretical foundations of rational choice. Models of rational choice play an important role in providing a standard of human action and the bases for constitutional design, but do they also succeed as explanatory models of behavior? Do empirical failures of these explanatory models constitute a telling condemnation of rational choice theory or do they open new avenues of investigation and theorizing? Emphasizing analyses of norms and institutions, the second and third sections of the book investigate areas in which rational choice theory might be extended in order to provide better models. The contributors evaluate the adequacy of analyses based on neoclassical economics, the potential contributions of game theory and cognitive science, and the consequences for the basic framework when unequal bargaining power and hierarchy are introduced.

Rationality and Freedom

Amartya Sen
Rationality and Freedom Book PDF

Author : Amartya Sen
Publisher : Harvard University Press
Page : 756 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2004-03-30
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 0674013514

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Rationality and Freedom by Amartya Sen Pdf

Rationality and freedom are among the most profound and contentious concepts in philosophy and the social sciences. In this, the first of two volumes, Amartya Sen brings clarity and insight to these difficult issues.

Autonomy, Rationality, and Contemporary Bioethics

Jonathan Pugh
Autonomy Rationality and Contemporary Bioethics Book PDF

Author : Jonathan Pugh
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 298 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2020
Category : Law
ISBN : 9780198858584

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Autonomy, Rationality, and Contemporary Bioethics by Jonathan Pugh Pdf

Personal autonomy is often lauded as a key value in contemporary Western bioethics, and the claim that there is an important relationship between autonomy and rationality is often treated as an uncontroversial claim in this sphere. Yet, there is also considerable disagreement about how we should cash out the relationship between rationality and autonomy. In particular, it is unclear whether a rationalist view of autonomy can be compatible with legal judgments that enshrine a patient's right to refuse medical treatment, regardless of whether ". . . the reasons for making the choice are rational, irrational, unknown or even non-existent". In this book, I bring recent philosophical work on the nature of rationality to bear on the question of how we should understand autonomy in contemporary bioethics. In doing so, I develop a new framework for thinking about the concept, one that is grounded in an understanding of the different roles that rational beliefs and rational desires have to play in personal autonomy. Furthermore, the account outlined here allows for a deeper understanding of different form of controlling influence, and the relationship between our freedom to act, and our capacity to decide autonomously. I contrast my rationalist with other prominent accounts of autonomy in bioethics, and outline the revisionary implications it has for various practical questions in bioethics in which autonomy is a salient concern, including questions about the nature of informed consent and decision-making capacity.

Beyond Rationality

Alex Mintz,Nicholas A. Valentino,Carly Wayne
Beyond Rationality Book PDF

Author : Alex Mintz,Nicholas A. Valentino,Carly Wayne
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 297 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2021-12-02
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781316516355

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Beyond Rationality by Alex Mintz,Nicholas A. Valentino,Carly Wayne Pdf

The first textbook to present a framework of the Behavioral Political Science paradigm for understanding political decision-making.

Logic, Reasoning, and Rationality

Erik Weber,Dietlinde Wouters,Joke Meheus
Logic Reasoning and Rationality Book PDF

Author : Erik Weber,Dietlinde Wouters,Joke Meheus
Publisher : Springer
Page : 283 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2014-08-06
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9789401790116

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Logic, Reasoning, and Rationality by Erik Weber,Dietlinde Wouters,Joke Meheus Pdf

This book contains a selection of the papers presented at the Logic, Reasoning and Rationality 2010 conference (LRR10) in Ghent. The conference aimed at stimulating the use of formal frameworks to explicate concrete cases of human reasoning, and conversely, to challenge scholars in formal studies by presenting them with interesting new cases of actual reasoning. According to the members of the Wiener Kreis, there was a strong connection between logic, reasoning, and rationality and that human reasoning is rational in so far as it is based on (classical) logic. Later, this belief came under attack and logic was deemed inadequate to explicate actual cases of human reasoning. Today, there is a growing interest in reconnecting logic, reasoning and rationality. A central motor for this change was the development of non-classical logics and non-classical formal frameworks. The book contains contributions in various non-classical formal frameworks, case studies that enhance our apprehension of concrete reasoning patterns, and studies of the philosophical implications for our understanding of the notions of rationality.

Reality and Rationality

Wesley C. Salmon
Reality and Rationality Book PDF

Author : Wesley C. Salmon
Publisher : Oxford University Press on Demand
Page : 300 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2005-06-09
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780195177848

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Reality and Rationality by Wesley C. Salmon Pdf

This volume of articles (most published, some new) is a follow-up to the late Wesley C. Salmon's widely read collection Causality And Explanation (OUP 1998). It contains both published and unpublished articles, and focuses on two related areas of inquiry: First, is science a rational enterprise? Secondly, does science yield objective information about our world, even the aspects that we cannot observe directly? Salmon's own take is that objective knowledge of the world is possible, and his work in these articles centers around proving that this can be so. Salmon's influential standing in the field ensures that this volume will be of interest to both undergraduates and professional philosophers, primarily in the philosophy of science.

Bounded Rationality

Gerd Gigerenzer,Reinhard Selten
Bounded Rationality Book PDF

Author : Gerd Gigerenzer,Reinhard Selten
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 404 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2002-07-26
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 0262571641

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Bounded Rationality by Gerd Gigerenzer,Reinhard Selten Pdf

In a complex and uncertain world, humans and animals make decisions under the constraints of limited knowledge, resources, and time. Yet models of rational decision making in economics, cognitive science, biology, and other fields largely ignore these real constraints and instead assume agents with perfect information and unlimited time. About forty years ago, Herbert Simon challenged this view with his notion of "bounded rationality." Today, bounded rationality has become a fashionable term used for disparate views of reasoning. This book promotes bounded rationality as the key to understanding how real people make decisions. Using the concept of an "adaptive toolbox," a repertoire of fast and frugal rules for decision making under uncertainty, it attempts to impose more order and coherence on the idea of bounded rationality. The contributors view bounded rationality neither as optimization under constraints nor as the study of people's reasoning fallacies. The strategies in the adaptive toolbox dispense with optimization and, for the most part, with calculations of probabilities and utilities. The book extends the concept of bounded rationality from cognitive tools to emotions; it analyzes social norms, imitation, and other cultural tools as rational strategies; and it shows how smart heuristics can exploit the structure of environments.