Rationality and Ascriptive Science

Itzhak Gilboa

No 943, Discussion Papers from Northwestern University, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science

Abstract: This paper suggests definitions for two closely related terms which are (or could be) used in the social sciences. First, "rationality" is defined as a behavior which will not be altered as a result of awareness to its analysis. Next, an "ascriptive theory" is defined to be a descriptive theory which may become common knowledge among its subjects, yet remain valid. The relation between these concepts--as well as between them and others--is studied, and an "impossibility theorem," due to Dostoyevsky, is discussed.

Date: 1991-06
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