Special Lecture :
"What does decision theory tell us ?"

On October 7, 2003, we held a special lecture by Professor Hugh Mellor of the Cambridge University titled "What does decision theory tell us?" The lecture began at five o'clock in the afternoon, and there were over seventy audience in the lecture hall. Given that it was held on the weekday and that the topic was rather specialized, it was a popular and successful lecture. Professor Mellor teaches at the Cambridge University, and a philosopher who have worked extensively on theories of time, probability, causality, and decision. In particular, his work on philosophy of science and metaphysics have left unmistakable marks in the discourse of contemporary philosophy. His lecture centered on the topics of decision theory and included rather brave revision to the standard and accepted views.

There have been many attempts made to incorporate decision theories into various fields. In particular, many has been already implemented into the field of medicine, in regard to diagnosis, treatment,and patient choices. While the standard in decision theory understands "probability" as "subjective" and also the principle of maximizing expected utility as the normative, Professor Mellor interpreted "probability" as "objective" and asserted that we should understand and develop the decision theory itself as descriptive.Professor Mellor's unique exposition triggered various questions.

After his lecture, a small reception was held at the Sanjou Kaikan. Approximately thirty people joined and continued further discussions with Professor Mellor. There was a remark by Professor Mellor at the end of the reception, and he hoped that his lecture in Japan will encourage further studies of decision theory in Japan. I, too, hope that more researchers will show interest and become involved in the decision theory. I also hope to see a contribution made through decision theory to the death and life studies. (Masaki Ichinose )