ABSTRACT
The concept of choice as a focus for interpreting and guiding human behavior has rarely had an easy time in the realm of ideas. It is beset by theological disputations over free will, by the dilemmas of absurdism, by the doubts of psychological behaviorism, by the claims of historical, economic, social, and demographic determinism. The tools of intelligence as they are fashioned in modern theories of choice are necessary to any reasonable behavior in contemporary society. The argument that goal development and choice are independent behaviorally seems clearly false. It seems to me perfectly obvious that a description that assumes goals come first and action comes later is frequently radically wrong. The result is that many of the most influential, best educated, and best placed citizens have experienced a powerful overlearning with respect to rationality. Contemporary theories of decision making and the technology of reason have considerably strengthened our capabilities for effective social action.
