Acta Structuralica

international journal for structuralist research

Series | Book | Chapter

194174

Decision theory, political theory and the hats hypothesis

Philip Pettit

pp. 23-34

Abstract

Instead of the unified preference-map of normative decision theory, most of us operate with one or other of a number of preference-systems, according to the ‘hat’ we are currently wearing. When we come home from the office or go out to a party, we may switch easily and unnoticingly from one system to another. (A holiday-maker lazes on the beach in hot sun and hedonic mood. Then he jumps up: a swimmer is in difficulties. His hedonic calculus switches off, moral concern switches on.) But sometimes, of course, the other preference-system stays switched on. If they indicate conflicting decisions the agent will have to make some sort of meta-decision about which system shall now predominate before he can decide what to do.1

Publication details

Published in:

D'Agostino Fred, Jarvie I. C. (1989) Freedom and rationality: essays in honor of John Watkins from his colleagues and friends. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 23-34

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-009-2380-5_2

Full citation:

Pettit Philip (1989) „Decision theory, political theory and the hats hypothesis“, In: F. D'agostino & I. C. Jarvie (eds.), Freedom and rationality, Dordrecht, Springer, 23–34.