
Paradoxes of Rationality, Probability, and Utility
Slaying Decision Theory's Dragons
Lou Marinoff(Author)
Anthem Press
Published on 5. May 2026
Book
Hardback
300 pages
978-1-83999-869-0 (ISBN)
Description
This unique anthology reflects the author's analyses and/or resolutions of some of the most perennially perplexing and widely discussed problems arising in rational choice theory, probability theory, and utility theory. It spans 25 years of his research and publications in these related fields. Part One features treatments of the Prisoner's Dilemma, illustrating why there is no objectively "best strategy" in nature and nurture alike. Part Two treats Newcomb's problem, along with potential failures of misguided "collective" rationality in non-cooperative multi-player games. Part Three examines pillars and pitfalls of the widely applied and often mis-applied Principle of Indifference, while resolving Bertrand's notorious random chord paradox, the Sleeping Beauty Problem, and the Two Envelopes Problem Part Four models a thorny moral dilemma debated by Hobbes, Spinoza, and Kant, namely, the ethics of redeeming oneself from a highway robber via the expedient of lying. Part Four then introduces a "reverse Turing test" that leads to a refutation of the Strong AI thesis. It concludes with a methodological comparison of solutions by an engineer, a physicist, and a mathematician to an old Cambridge challenge puzzle, while shedding new light on a humorous but ontologically impossible solution by Dirac.
Reviews / Votes
""Marinoff collects here his important, engaging, and provocative papers on a number of well-known paradoxes of rationality. To this he adds chapters not previously published on Sleeping Beauty and the Two Envelopes paradox and offers an intriguing diagnosis common to both that is well worth further discussion." - Nicholas Shackel, Professor Emeritus, Cardiff University, UK"Lou Marinoff distinguishes himself with exceptional expertise not only in philosophical practice but also in decision theory. In this book, Marinoff dissects 'hard problems' plaguing decision theory and puts forward targeted solutions and incisive insights. This book serves as an invaluable guide for readers seeking to grasp the cutting-edge developments in decision theory." - Tianqun Pan, Nanjing University, China
"Absolutely brilliant! This superb volume deftly unravels enduring paradoxes in the philosophy of science-from the Prisoner's Dilemma to the Two Envelopes Paradox-with incisive rigor and rare imaginative flair. It illuminates why even our most elegant failures remain philosophy's profoundest teachers. Essential reading for serious scholars and inquisitive minds alike." - Young E. Rhee, Department of Philosophy, Dongguk University, South Korea
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
640 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83999-869-0 (9781839998690)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
03/2026
Anthem Press
€33.99
Available for download
Person
Lou Marinoff is a professor of philosophy at The City College of New York and a prolific author of popular and scholarly books, invited book chapters, and peer-reviewed articles.
Content
Acknowledgments; Author's Preface; List of Figures; List of Tables; Part 1. The Prisoner's Dilemma; Part 2. Newcomb's Problem and Other Paradoxes of Rationality; Part 3. Paradoxes of Probability and Utility; Part 4. Paradoxes of Morality and Meaning; Bibliography; Index