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Multiple utilities and weakness of will: A kantian perspective

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  • Mark White

Abstract

This paper argues that a Kantian model of decision-making, one that incorporates moral duties alongside standard preferences and constraints, can account for the complexities of actual ethical choice within a model with a single (constrained) preference ranking. Multiple utilities are required only to explain the failure to make appropriate decisions. Such occasions, often referred to as cases of weakness of will or akrasia, are easily explained with this approach, which is also consistent with the recent work of philosopher John Searle on action theory and rational choice. More generally, this paper highlights the need for discussion of the will in economics.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark White, 2006. "Multiple utilities and weakness of will: A kantian perspective," Review of Social Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 64(1), pages 1-20.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rsocec:v:64:y:2006:i:1:p:1-20
    DOI: 10.1080/00346760500529914
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Smeele, Nicholas V.R. & Chorus, Caspar G. & Schermer, Maartje H.N. & de Bekker-Grob, Esther W., 2023. "Towards machine learning for moral choice analysis in health economics: A literature review and research agenda," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 326(C).
    2. Françoise Benhamou & Nathalie Moureau, 2007. "L'économiste et la question du goût. Intégration ou dénégation d'un concept ?," Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) halshs-00195113, HAL.
    3. Gary D Lynne & Natalia V Czap, 2024. "Towards Dual Interest Theory in Metaeconomics," Journal of Interdisciplinary Economics, , vol. 36(1), pages 7-25, January.

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