Rational Choice Virtues

In this essay, I review some results that suggest that rational choice theory has interesting things to say about the virtues. In particular, I argue that rational choice theory can show, first, the role of certain virtues in a game-theoretic analysis of norms. Secondly, that it is useful in the cha...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Verbeek, Bruno (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Springer Science + Business Media B. V 2010
In: Ethical theory and moral practice
Year: 2010, Volume: 13, Issue: 5, Pages: 541-559
Further subjects:B Game Theory
B Rational choice
B Social norms
B Virtues
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Description
Summary:In this essay, I review some results that suggest that rational choice theory has interesting things to say about the virtues. In particular, I argue that rational choice theory can show, first, the role of certain virtues in a game-theoretic analysis of norms. Secondly, that it is useful in the characterization of these virtues. Finally, I discuss how rational choice theory can be brought to bear upon the justification of these virtues by showing how they contribute to a flourishing life. I do this by discussing one particular example of a norm - the requirement that agents to honor their promises of mutual assistance - and one particular virtue, trustworthiness.
ISSN:1572-8447
Contains:Enthalten in: Ethical theory and moral practice
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1007/s10677-010-9222-2