Preference Change

For most of its history, decision theory has investigated the rational choices of humans under the assumption of static preferences. Human preferences, however, change. In recent years, decision theory has increasingly acknowledged the reality of preference change throughout life. This Element provides an accessible introduction and new contributions to the debates on preference change. It is divided into three chapters. In the first chapter, the authors discuss what preference change is and whether we can integrate it into decision theory. In the second chapter, they present models of preference change, including a novel proposal of their own. In the third and final chapter, they discuss how we can rationally choose a course of action when our preferences might change. Both the transformative experience literature and recent work on choosing for changing selves are discussed.

List of contents

Introduction; 1. Preferences and preference change; 2. Models of preference change; 3. Rational choosing in the light of change; Conclusion; Appendix A: more on fundamental and derived preferences; Appendix B: special cases for commitment; References.

Summary

In recent years, decision theory has increasingly acknowledged the reality of preference change throughout life. This Element provides an accessible introduction and new contributions to the debates on preference change.

Foreword

What we want changes over our lifetime. These changes raise problems about our rationality that have attracted increasing human attention.

Product details

• Authors: Michael Messerli, David Strohmaier, David (University of Cambridge) Messer Strohmaier
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.01.2024
• EAN: 9781009475792
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0947579-2
• No. of pages: 96
• Series: Elements in Decision Theory and Philosophy
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Business > Business administration; PHILOSOPHY / General, Philosophy of Mind, Assertiveness, motivation & self-esteem, Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology, Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology, Cognitive studies, Cognitive Science, Decision theory: general