Rethinking Rationality

Top Cogn Sci. 2022 Jul;14(3):451-466. doi: 10.1111/tops.12585. Epub 2022 Mar 9.

Abstract

We seek to understand rational decision making and if it exists whether finite (bounded) agents may be able to achieve its principles. This aim has been a singular objective throughout much of human science and philosophy, with early discussions identified since antiquity. More recently, there has been a thriving debate based on differing perspectives on rationality, including adaptive heuristics, Bayesian theory, quantum theory, resource rationality, and probabilistic language of thought. Are these perspectives on rationality mutually exclusive? Are they all needed? Do they undermine an aim to have rational standards in decision situations like politics, medicine, legal proceedings, and others, where there is an expectation and need for decision making as close to "optimal" as possible? This special issue brings together representative contributions from the currently predominant views on rationality, with a view to evaluate progress on these and related questions.

Keywords: Adaptive toolbox; Bayesian theory; Decision making; Pragmatics; Quantum theory; Rationality; Resource rational.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bayes Theorem
  • Decision Making*
  • Heuristics*
  • Humans