Hungry Logic

Originally posted by Coletti
A framework implies some sort of criteria, basis, axioms, etc, from which to analyze the situation. It could be viewed within an economic framework, a particular ethical framework, a legal framework - and all of these may come to different answers. And that still would not tell us if the person stealing was thinking rationally without know his personal presuppositions (his personal utility function) and the facts known to him.

Do you disagree?

Originally posted by Coletti
So the question can not be answered without first defining or understand some framework.

A framework implies some sort of criteria, basis, axioms, etc, from which to analyze the situation. It could be viewed within an economic framework, a particular ethical framework, a legal framework - and all of these may come to different answers. And that still wou ...[text shortened]... know his personal presuppositions (his personal utility function) and the facts known to him.

I certainly agree about needing well specified foundations. These foundations both facilitate analysis and also restrict it. Certainly the frameworks which you listed could be intermingled.

Whether we know the person's utility function or not (for any practical purposes we do not), I operate from the assumption that the person is behaving rationally. Even if the action chosen is suboptimal or even morally objectionable from the point of view of other people, the person must have chose the best option they could given their knowledge of their situation and constraints.

Originally posted by telerion
I certainly agree about needing well specified foundations. These foundations both facilitate analysis and also restrict it. Certainly the frameworks which you listed could be intermingled.

Whether we know the person's utility function or not (for any practical purposes we do not), I operate from the assumption that the person is behaving rationally ...[text shortened]... e chose the best option they could given their knowledge of their situation and constraints.

I guess you could say people are generally rational unless they have some mental deficiency- but not very logical in most cases. Generally.

Originally posted by dk3nny
Taken from another thread..

"Is it rational for a person to rob food to feed themsevles?"

Seems perfectly rational to me, if they couldn't afford to buy food..

Also we are living in a capatalist society where money is all.. If a person thinks they can get away with thievery for personal material gain, is is not rational for them to try it?

LOL

I liked the fact that you don't see "thievery and capitalism" as need and/or greed.

That is all it is. Neither is noble or glorious. Both are at the root of our basic nature.

I will again say that "need and greed" are the only reasons why capitalism will never fail and why all "utopian" attempts at better economy are doomed to utter failure. Utopia hasn't room for needy, greedy chimps.

Mike