47 research outputs found
Nagelian Reduction and Coherence
It can be argued (cf. DizadjiâBahmani et al. 2010) that an increase in
coherence is one goal that drives reductionist enterprises. Consequently, the
question if or how well this goal is achieved can serve as an epistemic criterion
for evaluating both a concrete case of a purported reduction and our model of
reductionâ: what conditions on the model allow for an increase in coherenceâ?
In order to answer this question, I provide an analysis of the relation between
the reduction and the coherence of two theories. The underlying model of
reduction is a (generalised) Nagelian model (cf. Nagel 1970, Schaffner 1974,
DizadjiâBahmani et al. 2010). For coherence, different measures have been put
forward (e.g. Shogenji 1999, Olsson 2002, Fitelson 2003, Bovens & Hartmann
2003). However, since there are counterexamples to each proposed coherence
measure, we should be careful that the analysis be sufficiently stable (in a sense
to be specified). It will turn out that this can be done
Dawid et al.âs [2015] no alternatives argument: an empiricist note
In a recent paper, Dawid, Hartmann and Sprenger claim to prove the possibility of non-empirical theory confirmation via the No Alternatives Argument. In this note, I argue that from an empiricist point of view, their "proof" begs the question in the sense that it cannot convince someone who has not already been convinced of non-empirical theory confirmation before
Towards a fair distribution mechanism for asylum
It has been suggested that the distribution of refugees over host countries can be made more fair or efficient if policy makers take into account not only numbers of refugees to be distributed but also the goodness of the matches between refugees and their possible host countries. There are different ways to design distribution mechanisms that incorporate this practice, which opens up a space for normative considerations. In particular, if the mechanism takes countriesâ or refugeesâ preferences into account, there may be trade-offs between satisfying their preferences and the number of refugees distributed. This article argues that, in such cases, it is not a reasonable policy to satisfy preferences. Moreover, conditions are given which, if satisfied, prevent the trade-off from occurring. Finally, it is argued that countries should not express preferences over refugees, but rather that priorities for refugees should be imposed, and that fairness beats efficiency in the context of distributing asylum. The framework of matching theory is used to make the arguments precise, but the results are general and relevant for other distribution mechanisms such as the relocations currently in effect in the European Unio
Rationality in games and institutions
Against the orthodox view of the Nash equilibrium as âthe embodiment of the idea that economic agents are rationalâ (Aumann, 1985, p 43), some theorists have proposed ânon-classicalâ concepts of rationality in games, arguing that rational agents should be capable of improving upon inefficient equilibrium outcomes. This paper considers some implications of these proposals for economic theory, by focusing on institutional design. I argue that revisionist concepts of rationality conflict with the constraint that institutions should be designed to be incentive-compatible, that is, that they should implement social goals in equilibrium. To resolve this conflict, proponents of revisionist concepts face a choice between three options: (1) reject incentive compatibility as a general constraint, (2) deny that individuals interacting through the designed institutions are rational, or (3) accept that their concepts do not cover institutional design. I critically discuss these options and I argue that a more inclusive concept of rationality, e.g. the one provided by Robert Sugdenâs version of team reasoning, holds the most promise for the non-classical project, yielding a novel argument for incentive compatibility as a general constraint. © 2021, The Author(s)
Book review: the prisonerâs dilemma, Martin Peterson (ed.). Cambridge University Press, 2015, viii + 298 pages.
How to build an institution
How should institutions be designed that âworkâ in bringing about desirable social outcomes? I study a case of successful institutional designâthe redesign of the National Resident Matching Programâand argue that economists assume three roles when designing an institution, each of which complements the other two: first, the designer combines positive and normative modeling to formalize policy goals and to design possible mechanisms for bringing them about. Second, the engineer refines the design by conducting experiments and computational analyses. Third, the plumber implements the design in the real world and mends it as needed
Rationality in games and institutions
Against the orthodox view of the Nash equilibrium as âthe embodiment of the idea that economic agents are rationalâ (Aumann, 1985, p 43), some theorists have proposed ânon-classicalâ concepts of rationality in games, arguing that rational agents should be capable of improving upon inefficient equilibrium outcomes. This paper considers some implications of these proposals for economic theory, by focusing on institutional design. I argue that revisionist concepts of rationality conflict with the constraint that institutions should be designed to be incentive-compatible, that is, that they should implement social goals in equilibrium. To resolve this conflict, proponents of revisionist concepts face a choice between three options: (1) reject incentive compatibility as a general constraint, (2) deny that individuals interacting through the designed institutions are rational, or (3) accept that their concepts do not cover institutional design. I critically discuss these options and I argue that a more inclusive concept of rationality, e.g. the one provided by Robert Sugdenâs version of team reasoning, holds the most promise for the non-classical project, yielding a novel argument for incentive compatibility as a general constraint
How to Build an Institution
How should institutions be designed that âworkâ in bringing about desirable social outcomes? I study a case of successful institutional designâthe redesign of the National Resident Matching Programâand argue that economists assume three roles when designing an institution, each of which complements the other two: first, the designer combines positive and normative modeling to formalize policy goals and to design possible mechanisms for bringing them about. Second, the engineer refines the design by conducting experiments and computational analyses. Third, the plumber implements the design in the real world and mends it as needed. © The Author(s) 2020
Bad data and flawed models? Fact-checking a case against lockdowns
Was the governmentâs decision to implement lockdowns to combat COVID-19 based on faulty evidence? Philippe van Basshuysen (Leibniz University Hannover and LSE) and Lucie White (Leibniz University Hannover) challenge contentions that the decision to institute restrictions was unjustified
How to Overcome Lockdown: Selective Isolation versus Contact Tracing
At this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, two policy aims are imperative: avoiding the need for a general lockdown of the population, with all its economic, social and health costs, and preventing the healthcare system from being overwhelmed by the unchecked spread of infection. Achieving these two aims requires the consideration of unpalatable measures. Julian Savulescu and James Cameron argue that mandatory isolation of the elderly is justified under these circumstances, as they are at increased risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19, and are thus likely to put disproportionate strain on limited healthcare resources. However, their arguments for this strategy are contingent on the lack of viable alternatives. We suggest that there is a possible alternative: a mandatory, centralised contact-tracing app. We argue that this strategy is ethically preferable to the selective isolation of the elderly, because it does not target members of a certain group, relying instead on the movements of each individual, and because it avoids the extended isolation of certain members of the society. Although this type of contact-tracing app has its drawbacks, we contend that this measure warrants serious consideration