Philosophy 128: Rationality

'Rationality' is a multifarious notion. Beliefs, preferences, decisions, choices, behavioral patterns, persons, groups, and institutions can be said to be rational -- or not. But what is rationality? Why is it desirable, at least typically? Can it be undesirable? To what extent is it attainable? Rationality has been the focal point of much fascinating research by philosophers and social scientists. This course will discuss some of this research. It will concentrate especially on the philosophical significance of various psychological studies of human irrationality, some philosophical accounts of ideal rationality (both theoretical and practical) and their justification, and a selection of associated paradoxes.