PE3101P: Decision Theory and Social Choice
Semester 1, AY2026/27 — Department of Philosophy, National University of Singapore.
Lecture: Thursdays 14:00–16:00, AS1-0203.
Tutorials (weeks 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12):
- TE1: Fridays 10:00–12:00, AS2-0311.
- TE2: Tuesdays 14:00–16:00, AS3-0215.
Course description
Decision-making is straightforward when we know exactly what will happen depending on what we choose and only one person’s preferences are at issue. But very few decisions are like that. This course concerns rational decision-making when we are uncertain of the outcomes of our actions (decision theory) and when we need to reconcile differing preferences within a group of people (social choice theory).
Course materials
- Syllabus
- Textbook: Wolfgang Schwarz, Belief, Desire, and Rational Choice (2022) — referred to as “BDRC”.
Week 1 — Introduction
Thursday 13 August 2026.
- Lecture notes
- Slides
- Reading: BDRC chapter 1 — not compulsory for week 1.
Week 2 — Probability
Thursday 20 August 2026.
- Reading: BDRC chapters 2–3.