A Plea for Plausibility: Toward a Comparative Decision Theory

This book develops an original theory of decision-making based on the concept of plausibility, which is widely applicable and can aid in discriminating good arguments from bad. It is of interest to scholars and advanced students working in argumentation theory, philosophy of science, ethics, epistemology, economics, law, and risk management.

Format: Hardback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Decisions are often fraught with uncertainty, making it challenging to navigate through the complexities of life. While probability theory has been a standard tool for dealing with uncertainty, its numerical demands often render it impractical for everyday use. However, there is another concept that is widely applicable but relatively unknown: plausibility. This book proposes a generalized concept of plausibility, which possesses a remarkable adaptability. The adaptability stems from a novel form of decision theory that takes plausibilities as inputs. This form of decision theory remains applicable to decisions informed by sharp probabilities and utilities, but it can also be applied to situations where such information is unavailable. By leveraging the power of plausibility, this book aims to assist in the rational and critical enterprise of distinguishing good arguments from bad, thereby fostering philosophical progress.
A Plea for Plausibility will appeal to scholars and advanced students engaged in the fields of argumentation theory, philosophy of science, ethics, epistemology, economics, law, and risk management. It offers a fresh perspective on decision-making and provides valuable insights into how plausibility can be used to improve our understanding and evaluation of arguments and decisions. Whether you are a professional in these fields or simply someone interested in exploring the nuances of reasoning and decision-making, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their intellectual horizons.

Weight: 650g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032402895