Rank-based decision theory and conditional deontic logic

Ranking theory is a well-established account of rational belief (= taking to be true) and its dynamics. Each formal representation of epistemic states should be extendable to a decision theory; ultimately, beliefs manifest themselves in rational action. However, the decision-theoretic extension of ranking theory is wanting. Giang and Shenoy’s “A Qualitative Linear Utility Theory for Spohn’s Theory of Epistemic Beliefs” (2000) is the only proposal so far. This paper will modify this proposal. The modification allows building a bridge to the field of (conditional) deontic logic, indeed advancing this field and thus instructing legal theory. This is to show that the modification is a fruitful one deserving further investigation and application.

Authors

• Wolfgang Spohn

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