Plural Values and Decision-Theoretic Rationality

Abstract

This paper looks at how we make decisions in the face of plural values, and explores its implications for our conception of practical reason. Specifically, the idea that our choice is governed by what I call “decision-theoretic rationality”, which has been influential among decision theorists and some “interpretationist” philosophers, will thoroughly be criticized as not being capable of explaining the difficulties characteristic of choosing among alternatives which bear different kinds of value. The paper concludes by suggesting that our understanding of practical reason needs to be reformed, in a way that appropriately captures those difficulties.