PH456
Rationality and Choice
This information is for the 2014/15 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Richard Bradley
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Economics and Philosophy, MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy, MSc in Philosophy of Science and MSc in Philosophy of the Social Sciences. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Course content
The course examines the theory of rationality and rational decision making. It is in two parts (i) Probability and Decision: Probabilistic thinking, different interpretations of probability, decision making under risk, ignorance and uncertainty, the measurement of belief and desire, paradoxes of expected utility theory. (ii) Game Theory and Social Choice: Solution concepts for games, backward induction and hypothetical reasoning, bargaining theory, Arrow's Theorem, the Gibbard-Satterthwaite theorem, interpersonal comparability and Utilitarianism.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the MT. 10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the LT.
Formative coursework
Students will submit a piece of written work each term and/or complete a number of exercises.
Indicative reading
Richard Jeffrey, The Logic of Decision, Michael Resnik, Choices: an introduction to decision theory, Martin Peterson An Introduction to Decision Theory, Amartya Sen Collective Choice and Social Welfare, Duncan Luce and Howard Raiffa Games and Decisions, Wulf Gaertner A Primer in Social Choice Theory, J. S. Kelly Social Choice Theory. An Introduction.
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.
Student performance results
(2010/11 - 2012/13 combined)
Classification | % of students |
---|---|
Distinction | 31 |
Merit | 32.8 |
Pass | 24.1 |
Fail | 12.1 |
Key facts
Department: Philosophy
Total students 2013/14: 13
Average class size 2013/14: 8
Controlled access 2013/14: No
Lecture capture used 2013/14: Yes (MT)
Value: One Unit