Rational Choice Theory

November 24, 2021

Today I sent the following e-mail message to all enrolled students:

From: Eggleston, Ben
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2021 4:55 PM
To: PHIL666{28716}Fa21
Subject: Rational Choice Theory - information about test 3 on December 3

Dear students,

As you know, test 3 for our class is scheduled for Friday, December 3. Like the first two tests, it will occupy the full class period of 1:00–1:50, and all you need to bring is a writing implement – I will supply paper as well as the test itself, and you will not need a calculator or any other device.

The test will cover the game theory manuscript that I gave to you earlier this semester.

As you study for the test, you may wish to look at the following 41 questions from tests from sections of this course that I have taught in prior semesters:

• Fall 2019 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct8/):
o test 3 (December 6, 2019), questions 1–10
• Spring 2017 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct7/):
o test 2 (March 31, 2017), questions 7–10
o test 3 (April 28, 2017), questions 1–7
• Spring 2016 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct6/):
o test 2 (April 1, 2016), questions 3–10
o test 3 (April 29, 2016), questions 1–2
• Spring 2014 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct5/):
o test on game theory (April 4, 2014), questions 1–10

As I mentioned in regard to the first two tests, in general, since my design and teaching of this course gradually evolves over time, test 3 is likely to resemble prior semesters’ tests in proportion to their recency. So, I would advise prioritizing prior semesters’ tests in reverse chronological order, as listed above.

Best,

Ben

October 18, 2021

Today I sent the following e-mail message to all enrolled students:

From: Eggleston, Ben
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2021 10:16 AM
To: PHIL666{28716}Fa21
Subject: Rational Choice Theory - information about test 2 on November 1

Dear students,

As you know, test 2 for our class is scheduled for Monday, November 1. Like test 1, it will occupy the full class period of 1:00–1:50, and all you need to bring is a writing implement – I will supply paper as well as the test itself, and you will not need a calculator or any other device.

The test will cover chapters 5–7 of my book, Maximizing Expected Utility: A Philosophical Introduction, that I gave to you at the beginning of the semester.

As you study for the test, you may wish to look at the following 30 questions from tests from sections of this course that I have taught in prior semesters:

• Fall 2019 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct8/):
o test 1 (October 4, 2019), questions 9–10
o test 2 (November 4, 2019), questions 1–10
• Spring 2017 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct7/):
o test 1 (February 24, 2017), questions 8–10
o test 2 (March 31, 2017), questions 1–6
• Spring 2016 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct6/):
o test 1 (February 26, 2016), questions 6–10
o test 2 (April 1, 2016), questions 1–2
• Spring 2014 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct5/):
o test 1 (February 28, 2014), questions 9–10

As I mentioned in regard to test 1, in general, since my design and teaching of this course gradually evolves over time, test 2 is likely to resemble prior semesters’ tests in proportion to their recency. So, I would advise prioritizing prior semesters’ tests in reverse chronological order, as listed above.

Best,

Ben

September 23, 2021

Today I sent the following e-mail message to all enrolled students:

From: Eggleston, Ben
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2021 1:56 PM
To: PHIL666{28716}Fa21
Subject: Rational Choice Theory - information about test 1 on October 1

Dear students,

As you know, test 1 for our class is scheduled for Friday, October 1. It will occupy the full class period of 1:00–1:50. All you need to bring is a writing implement – I will supply paper as well as the test itself, and you will not need a calculator or any other device.

The test will cover chapters 1–4 of my book, Maximizing Expected Utility: A Philosophical Introduction, that I gave to you at the beginning of the semester.

As you study for the test, you may wish to look at the following 28 questions from tests from sections of this course that I have taught in prior semesters:

• Fall 2019 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct8/), test 1 (October 4, 2019), questions 1–8
• Spring 2017 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct7/), test 1 (February 24, 2017), questions 1–7
• Spring 2016 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct6/), test 1 (February 26, 2016), questions 1–5
• Spring 2014 (http://www.benegg.net/courses/rct5/), test 1 (February 28, 2014), questions 1–8

In general, since my design and teaching of this course gradually evolves over time, test 1 is likely to resemble prior semesters’ tests in proportion to their recency. So, I would advise prioritizing prior semesters’ tests in reverse chronological order, as listed above.

Best,

Ben

August 8, 2021

Today I sent the following e-mail message to all enrolled students:

From: Eggleston, Ben
Sent: Sunday, August 8, 2021 2:08 PM
To: PHIL666{28716}Fa21
Subject: Rational Choice Theory - introductory information

Dear students,

Hello. I’m writing to give you some information about our Rational Choice Theory course.

First, there is no textbook that you have to buy for this course – I will provide the readings to you.

Second, I have set up a website for the course, at www.benegg.net/courses/rct9. I’ve posted the syllabus and the end-of-semester paper assignment there (though I will also hand out hard copies on the first day of class) and I anticipate that I will post other things there as the course progresses. There won’t be anything there that you’ll be responsible for prior to our first class, so you don’t have to worry about it right away. I just wanted to go on and give you the URL.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me. Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to seeing you at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 23, in 335 Strong. However, attendance in this class is optional, and if you do not feel comfortable coming to class that day (or any other day), please let me know, and I will be happy to discuss other options with you.

Best wishes,

Ben