Natural Reasons

This book is about the rationality of decisions. Hurley argues the position that the philosophy of mind is strongly relevant and connected both to ethics and jurisprudence. The book constitutes a defence of Wittgenstein's work and its significance for meta-ethics. Hurley brings Wittgenstein's theory of interpretation to bear on decision theory, social choice theory, and the theory of adjudication. In each of these contexts, her particular concern is to consider the differences and similarities between the resolution of internal conflicts faced by individuals. This recurring theme culminates in an examination of the relationship between the values of personal autonomy and those of democracy.