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Rationality, Intelligibility, and Interpretation

Political Science Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-6044 (650) 725-2916, peter.stone{at}stanford.edu

Behavior is rational to the extent that it optimizes actions, beliefs, and information collection subject to various constraints. It is intelligible to the extent that it makes sense to an interpreter. The two concepts are connected because interpretation ordinarily proceeds on the assumption that others would do what we do under the same circumstances, mutatis mutandis. And because we of necessity understand our own behavior as being as rational as possible given the constraints we face, we must interpret the behavior of others in the same way. This paper develops the concepts of rationality and intelligibility, and applies them to the problem of interpretation. It does so by relying upon Jon Elster's recent work upon the same concepts. Like Elster, moreover, this paper concerns both the interpretation of real behavior and that of fictional characters.

Key Words: Elster • fiction • intelligibility • interpretation • rationality

Rationality and Society, Vol. 21, No. 1, 35-58 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1043463108099458


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