Decision Theory and the Desire-Belief Model

This essay aims to highlight the relations between decision theory and the so-called desire-belief (or belief-desire) model, the typical model of explanation and causation of human action and intention (or decision) theorized in the analytic philosophy of action, particularly by Donald Davidson and Alvin I. Goldman. The similarities between the two topics are discussed here and, in addition, it is pointed out that both constitute an elaboration of Aristotle’s concept of deliberation and his theory of practical rationality.