On the power of a clear definition of rationality

Abstract

In this paper, we argue that the use of the term “rationality” in Bazerman's book Judgment in Managerial Decision Making (JMDM) is extremely useful, and creates a useful dialogue between philosophical and psychological perspectives of ethics and morality. We conclude that while behavioral decision research can gain important insights by more fully including philosophical discussions of rationality, both intellectual communities should be clear in their definitions, provide falsifiable predictions, and offer insights that can be tested empirically. We believe that these are important contributions of behavioral decision research not currently incorporated in philosophical critiques.

Citation

Bazerman, M.H. and Messick, D.M. (2001), "On the power of a clear definition of rationality", Dienhart, J., Moberg, D. and Duska, R. (Ed.) The Next Phase of Business Ethics: Integrating Psychology and Ethics (Research in Ethical Issues in Organizations, Vol. 3), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 97-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1529-2096(01)03008-5