Abstract
This paper proffers a dialogical theory of decision-making: decision-makers (DMs) are engaged in two modes of rational decisions, instrumental and existential. Instrumental rational decisions take place when the DM views the self externally to the objects, whether goods or animate beings. Existential rational decisions take place when the DM views the self in union with such objects. While the dialogical theory differs from Max Weber’s distinction between two kinds of rationality, it follows Martin Buber’s philosophical anthropology. The paper expounds the ramifications of the dialogical theory in understanding structures of exchange considering assessments of diverse thinkers.
Highlights
How and how effectively organizations function depends on how the respective members of the organization behave given the context of transactions and social goals that organizations set up
This paper effectively proposes a dialogical theory of rational decisions: decisions can be either instrumental or existential
Adam Smith proposed a twofold taxonomy of structures of exchange that are focused on corporeal utility: the self-interest/contract structure and the altruism/aid structure
Summary
How and how effectively organizations function depends on how the respective members of the organization behave given the context of transactions and social goals that organizations set up The motives to satisfy longing for friendship, community, and distinction are regulated by rational choice as shown below, but this should not entail that they are pecuniary in the sense of belonging to corporeal utility. The DM promotes her own transcendental utility when the DM is engaged in what is called here the ‘‘existential rational decision.’’ In this mode, the DM satisfies at least three existential motives: 1. The instrumental rational mode of decisions gives rise to Smith’s two motives: self-interest and other-interest (altruism). The existential rational mode of decisions gives rise to the three motives: geniality, camaraderie, and distinction.
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