Are theories of rationality empirically testable?

Howard Smokler

pp. 297-306

in: Synthese 82 (2), 1990.

Abstract

Since rationality is a normative ideal, it is difficult to see how a theory of rationality might be subjected to empirical evaluation. This paper explores various aspects of this problem in relation to the work of L. J. Cohen, Amos Tversky and Daviel Kahneman, Ellery Eells, Isaac Levi, and Henry Kyburg. Special consideration is given to its significance for testing systems of inductive logic.

Cited authors

Levi Isaac

Tversky Amos

Eells Ellery