PER Distinguished Lecture with David Pearce: ” Utility and All That.”

David Pearce is a prominent game theorist and economist, currently a professor at New York University. He is best known for his foundational contributions to the theory of games, particularly in the areas of equilibrium concepts, refinements, and repeated games. Pearce’s work has significantly influenced the development of modern game theory, especially through his exploration of how rational players form expectations and how these expectations influence their strategic decisions. Among his key contributions are the concepts of “rationalizability” and the recursive structures of dynamic game equilibria, which have become fundamental tools in the analysis of strategic behavior in economics and other social sciences.

Professor Pearce notes:

” Our neoclassical founding fathers were heavily influenced by logical positivism. This led them to formulations of individual and social welfare that do not serve us well. Examples discussed will include social choice theory as well as the inconsistency of optimal plans. “

If you have any questions about this event, please contact econ-per@columbia.edu.
This event is part of the PER Distinguished Lecture series. To view a full list of PER’s Distinguished Lecture series events, please click here.