Puzzles of Rationality

Catalog description

What is it to be rational? This course takes up that question by looking at a number of intriguing puzzles. For example: Is it irrational to not believe in God? Is it irrational to settle for less now when you could have more later? Is it irrational to intend to do something that you don't believe you'll do? Can it be rational to do what you hope you won't? When is it rational to be random? Is it ever rational to be irrational? Along the way, we will learn bayesian probability theory, decision theory, game theory, and social choice theory.