Philosophy 290-1

In this seminar, we will discuss axiomatic theories of rational individual choice and social choice and their connections with ethical theories. For individual choice, we will discuss axioms on choice functions, preference relations, and utility representations. For social choice, we will discuss axiomatic characterizations of utilitarianism, Rawlsian leximin, and other social welfare functionals, as well as the status of interpersonal comparisons of utility and welfarist assumptions.

Prerequisites: 12A (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.

All classes at Berkeley this semester are meeting online for the first two weeks of the semester. Anyone currently enrolled, or wishing to attend to the first meeting of this seminar with the intention of possibly auditing or enrolling, is welcome to attend the first meeting using this Zoom link:

https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/94121642671?pwd=b2NCVjNySlFqdUlFUnhjVThNTVRuUT09

If there are any questions about this, please email the instructor: wesholliday@berkeley.edu