Bernhard Salow (Magdalen College): 'Sequential Decisions under the Idea of Freedom'
Please note that the speaker and topic of this talk have changed.
I introduce some new(-ish) problems for Causal Decision Theory, based on cases where one faces a sequence of decisions, with the outcome of the first providing evidence relevant to the second. I diagnose these problems as arising from the fact that Causal Decision Theory, in its simple form, builds in an implausibly strong version of the Kantian idea that agents must always regard their actions as free while they are deliberating. I then consider whether more sophisticated versions of Causal Decision Theory, inspired by similar ideas, can escape the problem – with largely negative results.
After the talks all are invited to socialise and continue discussion over drinks in the Ryle Room.
