In this book, German philosopher Julian Nida-Rümelin presents a theory of practical reason that is objectivist, or rather realist, as an alternative to the widespread subjectivism in the theory of rationality.

1. Introduction and Overview.- 2. Practical Philosophy.- 3. Structural Rationality.- 4. Structural Agency.- 5. The Phenomenology of Structural Rationality.- 6. Morality and Rationality.- 7. The Efficacy of Reasons.- 8. Metaphysical Aspects.

In this book, German philosopher Julian Nida-Rümelin presents a theory of practical reason that is objectivist, or rather realist, as an alternative to the widespread subjectivism in the theory of rationality. This theory has pragmatic traits that can be read as a constructive counterpart to Nida-Rümelin's critique of consequentialism whilst embedding its conception of rationality in the conceptual framework of decision and game theory.

“A Theory of Practical Reason is a major contribution to philosophy, manifesting to the full the author’s immense scholarship in philosophy, economics and decision theory.” (David Gordon, Mises Institute)
"Julian Nida-Ruemelin is in the very top rank of contemporary German philosophers. This volume is the first extensive presentation in English of his conception of practical reason, or rationality in action. It deserves a place on the bookshelf of any philosopher interested in practical rationality, alongside the works of such authors as T.M. Scanlon and John Skorupski. Nida-Ruemelin's approach is a form of 'reasons realism' in that it begins with the assumption that individuals can have good reason to do something apart from their current beliefs and preferences. But he then argues that what counts as a good reason is not independent of an individual's overall belief and preference structure and that of the larger collectivities with which theindividual interacts. His model is thus a distinctive combination of realism and coherentism about reasons." (Paul Guyer, Jonathan Nelson Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Brown University, USA)
“A Theory of Practical Reason lays out a comprehensive vision that speaks to perennial problems in practical philosophy. Nida-Rümelin defends a version of what the ancients call the unity of reason. There is no deep distinction between moral and epistemic norms. Emotions are located in an agent’s “reason,” the state of mind relevant to deliberation and rational action. This research program is of great interest to theorists from a wide range of traditions and disciplines.” (Katja Maria Vogt, Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University)

​Presents a highly original theory that reconciles age old oppositions between teleology and deontology Offers a way between universalist and particularist ethics, between rational choice and practical reason Offers insights applicable to other disciplines like economics, sociology, political theory, and law

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