Behavioural and heuristic models are as-if models too - And that's ok

Moscati, Ivan (2023) Behavioural and heuristic models are as-if models too - And that's ok. Economics and Philosophy, 40 (2). pp. 279-309. ISSN 0266-2671

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Abstract

I examine some behavioural and heuristic models of individual decision-making and argue that the diverse psychological mechanisms these models posit are too demanding to be implemented, either consciously or unconsciously, by actual decision makers. Accordingly, and contrary to what their advocates typically claim, behavioural and heuristic models are best understood as 'as-if' models. I then sketch a version of scientific antirealism that justifies the practice of as-if modelling in decision theory but goes beyond traditional instrumentalism. Finally, I relate my account of decision models to the recent controversy about mentalism versus behaviourism, reject both positions, and offer an alternative view.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2023 The Author(s)
Divisions:	CPNSS
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date Deposited:	14 Oct 2024 09:51
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2024 04:31
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/125708

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