Ulysses and the Sirens: Studies In Rationality And Irrationality

Abstract

Preface to the revised edition Preface and acknowledgements Part I. Perfect Rationality: Beyond Gradient-Climbing: 1. Introduction 2. The locally maximizing machine 3. The globally maximizing machine 4. Strategic behaviour in animals and men 5. Functionalist explanation in sociology Part II. Imperfect Rationality: Ulysses and the Sirens: 1. Introduction 2. Towards a definition 3. Pascal 4. Descartes 5. Inconsistent time preferences 6. Endogenous change of preferences 7. Precommitment in animal behaviour 8. Abdication from power 9. Some conclusions and further questions Part III. Problematic Rationality: Some Unresolved Problems in the Theory of Rational Behaviour: 1. Introduction 2. Games without solutions 3. Lexicographic preferences 4. Subjective probability 5. Maximizing, satisficing and natural selection 6. Traditional behaviour and random behaviour 7. Explaining altruism 8. Inconstancy 9. Paradox 10. And so what Part IV. Irrationality: Contradictions of the Mind: 1. Introduction 2. Hate 3. Love 4. Self-deception References Index.

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