Topics Rationality

Question If it is rational to do X, does it follow that it is irrational not to do X?

Accepted:
September 6, 2008

Comments

This question is really just about the ordinary meaning of the words or their most appropriate use. I would answer no on both grounds. There can certainly be situations where there is not one uniquely most rational decision. For example, the choice of either of two ties may be rational for a guy going in for an important interview. By choosing one of the two, he acts rationally. But it does not follow that it would have been irrational for him not to choose this tie. Had he chosen the other nice tie, he would also have acted rationally.

I think one can give an affirmative answer if one reformulates your question a bit: If a person does not choose any of the conduct options that it would be rational for her to choose, does it follow that she is acting irrationally?

Question If it is rational to do X, does it follow that it is irrational not to do X? Accepted:September 6, 2008

Question If it is rational to do X, does it follow that it is irrational not to do X?

Accepted:
September 6, 2008