Ulysses and the Sirens (Paperback)

Jon Elster

38 ratings by Goodreads

Language: English

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1984

0521269849 / 9780521269841

  • Softcover
  • New
See all details

Seller: CitiRetail, Stevenage, United KingdomCitiRetail

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 29, 2022

Softcover

Condition: New

£ 32.99

£ 37.00 shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

Paperback. This book was first published in 1984, as the revised edition of a 1979 original. The text is composed of studies in a descending sequence from perfect rationality, through imperfect and problematical rationality, to irrationality. Specifically human rationality is characterized by its capacity to relate strategically to the future, in contrast to the myopic 'gradient climbing' of natural selection. There is trenchant analysis of some of the parallels proposed in this connection between the biological and the social sciences. In the chapter on imperfect rationality the crucial notion is that of 'binding oneself', as Ulysses did before setting out to the Sirens, when weakness of will may prevent us from using our capacity for perfect rationality. The second half of the book deals with rational-actor theory, comparing its logical power and success to rival approaches, and with the varieties of irrationality expressed in contradictory beliefs and desires. This book, first published in 1979, is composed of studies in a descending sequence from perfect rationality, through imperfect and problematical rationality, to irrationality. Specifically human rationality is characterized by its capacity to relate strategically to the future, in contrast to the myopic 'gradient climbing' of natural selection. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.…

Seller Inventory # 9780521269841

Title
Ulysses and the Sirens (Paperback)
Author
Jon Elster
Publisher
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Publication year
1984
Condition
new
Binding
Paperback
Language
English
ISBN 10
0521269849
ISBN 13
9780521269841

CitiRetail

Stevenage, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 29, 2022

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item7 to 14 business days7 to 60 business days
First item£ 37.00£ 37.00
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Store description

Online business

Seller's business information

ABC BOOKS LIMITED

10 John Street
London, United Kingdom WC1N 2EB