Arif Ahmed (University of Cambridge): ‘The point of rationality’

Abstract: What makes practical rationality a good idea? Hume’s answer was that a rational person’s means are suited to their ends. If Hume was right (and he was), then the transitivity of preference is not a requirement of rationality. Nor are Sen’s principles alpha and beta. But gamma is.

Arif Ahmed has been Professor of Philosophy (Grade 12) since October 2022 and a Fellow of Gonville and Caius since 2015. His philosophical outlook is empiricist and his work applies this approach to questions in metaphysics, the theory of rational choice and philosophy of religion. He has campaigned for many years in defence of free speech and academic freedom. In recognition of this work he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2021 and the Trustees’ Award by Index on Censorship.

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