Getting Hooked: Rationality and Addiction

Abstract

The essays in this volume offer a thorough discussion of the relationship between addiction and rationality. This book-length treatment of the subject includes contributions from philosophers, psychiatrists, neurobiologists, sociologists and economists. Contrary to the widespread view that addicts are subject to overpowering and compulsive urges, the authors in this volume demonstrate that addicts are capable of making choices and responding to incentives. At the same time they disagree with Gary BeckerAs argument that addiction is the result of rational choice. The volume offers an exposition of the neurophysiology of addiction, a critical examination of the Becker theory of rational addiction, an argument for a Avisceral theory of addictionA, a discussion of compulsive gambling as a form of addiction, several discussions of George AinslieAs theory of hyperbolic discounting, analyses of social causes and policy implications, and an investigation of the problem of relapse

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