Philosophy 435/535
Games & Decisions (Spring 2006)

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This course provides a basic survey of central puzzles in the fields of decision theory, game theory, rational choice theory, and social choice theory. We also look at famous results in experimental psychology that seem to say we are not as rational as we think. How might we understand and rationally cope with these apparent limitations?

There is a fair amount of technical material in this course, but no more than is necessary to grasp the significance of the puzzles for philosophy and economics. The course moves swiftly and covers a lot of material, but the material is of an introductory nature. As I said, it is somewhat technical, but it does not presume any previous background in decision & game theory. It is suitable for majors in philosophy, economics, or related social sciences.

Syllabus

Assignments

Schedule of Lectures

last update February 18, 2006

schmidtz@u.arizona.edu

Return to David Schmidtz
tside the classroom. Every sentence is interesting and clear.

Sample #2 I deducted one point from this because the essay made its point, came to a close, then went on for a couple of sentences that did not add much. But still, it is a great essay overall. It is not as daring as Sample #1, but still it is clear, thoughtful, and every sentence (until the last couple, perhaps) serves a purpose.

Sample #3 Thoughtful, insightful, and plain-spoken.

Sample #4 This is considerably beyond the call of duty, but still an indication of what is possible.

Sample #5 Also beyond the call of duty. A little long, but the prose is inspired.

Sample #6 Quite a few of the papers used relationship issues as an example of the rational choice issues that we've been discussing. This was one of the best.

Sample #7 This is a pass/fail paper. It gets right to the point in a memorable way.

Sample #8 This one is a critique of my stuff on maieutic ends. This is seriously good philosophy, and I don't just mean "for a student."

Additional Assignments for Graduate Students

I will assign graduate students responsibility for guiding Friday discussion. Part of the purpose is to give grad students an opportunity to learn the material by actively repackaging it for class presentation. Another part of the purpose is to make sure grad students do not accidentally monopolize the discussion—by giving grad students responsibility for conducting discussion for the benefit of undergraduates. I will attend the Friday discussions, but normally I will not participate.


last update February 18, 2006

schmidtz@u.arizona.edu

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Return to David Schmidtz

ng this strategy gives Roth a bad reputation. Early on in the film,)Tj