Abstract
This paper explores the contrast between mentalistic and behaviouristic interpretations of decision theory. The former regards credences and utilities as psychologically real, while the latter regards them as mere representations of an agent's preferences. Philosophers typically adopt the former interpretation, economists the latter. It is argued that the mentalistic interpretation is preferable if our aim is to use decision theory for descriptive purposes, but if our aim is normative then the behaviouristic interpretation cannot be dispensed with.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 409-433 |
Number of pages | 25 |
Journal | Economics and Philosophy |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 12 Aug 2015 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2016 |