Exploring the complexities of ethical dilemmas, this book delves into the "gray area" between right and wrong, challenging the binary view of morality. It addresses practical issues such as white lies and the permissibility of abortion, advocating for a gradualist approach to ethical decision-making. By examining these nuanced topics, the author provides a framework for understanding the intricacies of moral choices in everyday life.
This book introduces a new, multidimensional consequentialist theory, according to which an act's rightness depends on several irreducible dimensions.
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The decision matrix; 3. Decisions under ignorance; 4. Decisions under risk; 5. Utility; 6. The mathematics of probability; 7. The philosophy of probability; 8. Bayesianism and pragmatic arguments; 9. Causal vs evidential decision theory; 10. Risk aversion; 11. Game theory I: basic concepts and zero-sum games; 12. Game theory II: nonzero- sum and cooperative games; 13. Social choice theory; 14. Overview of descriptive decision theory; Appendix A. Glossary; Further reading; Index.
The book offers a unique perspective on rational choice by presenting a non-Bayesian approach to normative decision theory. It explores the framing of decision problems through a formal analysis, distinguishing itself from traditional Bayesian methods. This innovative account aims to deepen the understanding of decision-making processes and the implications of various framing techniques.