This is a course on the concept of rationality. By following a recent book by the psychologist Steven Pinker, we will explore what rationality is, why humans sometimes deviate from the dictates of rationality and how to be more rational. We will look at the technical tools of rationality (formal logic, probability theory, decision theory, game theory) and how to apply them in everyday life.
Course Content
This course contains; Are Humans Rational?,What Is Rationality and Irrationality?,Logic and Critical Thinking,Probability and Randomness,Probability and Randomness (cont.),Bayesian Reasoning,Bayesian Reasoning (cont.),Rational Choice and Expected Utility Theory,Signal Detection and Statistical Decision Theory,Game Theory,Correlation and Causation,Why Are Humans (Sometimes) Irrational?,Why Are Humans (Sometimes) Irrational? (cont.),Why Rationality Matters.
Dersin Öğrenme Kazanımları
Teaching Methods
Assessment Methods
Defining rationality at normative and dscriptive levels
9
A
Being aware of factors that cause deviations from the norms of rationality
9
A
Knowing formal logic at a basic level and using it in critical thinking
9
A
Knowing probability theory at a basic level and using it in Bayesian thinking
9
A
Knowing decision theory at a basic level and using it in solving everyday problems
9
A
Knowing game theory at a basic level and using it in solving everyday problems
9
A
Teaching Methods:
9: Lecture Method
Assessment Methods:
A: Traditional Written Exam
Course Outline
Order
Subjects
Preliminary Work
1
Are Humans Rational?
2
What Is Rationality and Irrationality?
3
Logic and Critical Thinking
4
Probability and Randomness
5
Probability and Randomness (cont.)
6
Bayesian Reasoning
7
Bayesian Reasoning (cont.)
8
Rational Choice and Expected Utility Theory
9
Signal Detection and Statistical Decision Theory
10
Game Theory
11
Correlation and Causation
12
Why Are Humans (Sometimes) Irrational?
13
Why Are Humans (Sometimes) Irrational? (cont.)
14
Why Rationality Matters
Resources
Pinker, S. (2021). Rationality: What it is, why it seems scarce, why it matters. Viking.
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Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
No
Program Qualification
Contribution Level
1
2
3
4
5
1
Knows the basic concepts of research and application-oriented sub-fields of psychology and the basic theories of these fields.
2
Can compare theories and schools in the history of psychology, and relate new developments with this knowledge.
3
Can recognize and interpret the problems they encounter and offer solutions using their expert knowledge.
4
Can investigate a problem with scientific methods, interpret findings and turn the results into a scientific publication.
5
Can lead the project, plan and manage the activities in a team established to solve the problems related to their field.
6
Can question and criticize new ideas from a scientific point of view without taking sides.
7
They adopt the principle of lifelong learning and can follow new developments in their field.
8
Can share their findings, knowledge and solution suggestions about a problem with colleagues or people outside of their field in written or oral form, in an appropriate language.
9
They have a sense of social responsibility and can use their professional achievements in solving problems in their near and far surroundings.
10
Speaks English at least at B1 level to follow international professional developments.
11
Has basic computer skills and can communicate with colleagues on up-to-date platforms.
12
Knows the basic tools of psychology used in assessment and evaluation and can use these tools.
13
Knows professional responsibilities, authorization, and limits, recognizes psychological problems, can make the right referral for their solution, and abides by ethical principles in research and practice.
14
They consider individual and cultural differences in research and practice and take these differences into account while evaluating the research results.
Assessment Methods
Contribution Level
Absolute Evaluation
Rate of Midterm Exam to Success
40
Rate of Final Exam to Success
60
Total
100
ECTS / Workload Table
Activities
Number of
Duration(Hour)
Total Workload(Hour)
Course Hours
0
0
0
Guided Problem Solving
0
0
0
Resolution of Homework Problems and Submission as a Report
0
0
0
Term Project
0
0
0
Presentation of Project / Seminar
0
0
0
Quiz
0
0
0
Midterm Exam
0
0
0
General Exam
0
0
0
Performance Task, Maintenance Plan
0
0
0
Total Workload(Hour)
0
Dersin AKTS Kredisi = Toplam İş Yükü (Saat)/30*=(0/30)
0
ECTS of the course: 30 hours of work is counted as 1 ECTS credit.
Detail Informations of the Course
Course Description
Course
Code
Semester
T+P (Hour)
Credit
ECTS
SELECTED TOPICS in COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
-
Spring Semester
3+0
3
6
Course Program
Prerequisites Courses
Recommended Elective Courses
Language of Course
English
Course Level
First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Course Type
Elective
Course Coordinator
Assist.Prof. Hasan Galip BAHÇEKAPILI
Name of Lecturer(s)
Assist.Prof. Hasan Galip BAHÇEKAPILI
Assistant(s)
--
Aim
This is a course on the concept of rationality. By following a recent book by the psychologist Steven Pinker, we will explore what rationality is, why humans sometimes deviate from the dictates of rationality and how to be more rational. We will look at the technical tools of rationality (formal logic, probability theory, decision theory, game theory) and how to apply them in everyday life.
Course Content
This course contains; Are Humans Rational?,What Is Rationality and Irrationality?,Logic and Critical Thinking,Probability and Randomness,Probability and Randomness (cont.),Bayesian Reasoning,Bayesian Reasoning (cont.),Rational Choice and Expected Utility Theory,Signal Detection and Statistical Decision Theory,Game Theory,Correlation and Causation,Why Are Humans (Sometimes) Irrational?,Why Are Humans (Sometimes) Irrational? (cont.),Why Rationality Matters.
Dersin Öğrenme Kazanımları
Teaching Methods
Assessment Methods
Defining rationality at normative and dscriptive levels
9
A
Being aware of factors that cause deviations from the norms of rationality
9
A
Knowing formal logic at a basic level and using it in critical thinking
9
A
Knowing probability theory at a basic level and using it in Bayesian thinking
9
A
Knowing decision theory at a basic level and using it in solving everyday problems
9
A
Knowing game theory at a basic level and using it in solving everyday problems
9
A
Teaching Methods:
9: Lecture Method
Assessment Methods:
A: Traditional Written Exam
Course Outline
Order
Subjects
Preliminary Work
1
Are Humans Rational?
2
What Is Rationality and Irrationality?
3
Logic and Critical Thinking
4
Probability and Randomness
5
Probability and Randomness (cont.)
6
Bayesian Reasoning
7
Bayesian Reasoning (cont.)
8
Rational Choice and Expected Utility Theory
9
Signal Detection and Statistical Decision Theory
10
Game Theory
11
Correlation and Causation
12
Why Are Humans (Sometimes) Irrational?
13
Why Are Humans (Sometimes) Irrational? (cont.)
14
Why Rationality Matters
Resources
Pinker, S. (2021). Rationality: What it is, why it seems scarce, why it matters. Viking.
--
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
No
Program Qualification
Contribution Level
1
2
3
4
5
1
Knows the basic concepts of research and application-oriented sub-fields of psychology and the basic theories of these fields.
2
Can compare theories and schools in the history of psychology, and relate new developments with this knowledge.
3
Can recognize and interpret the problems they encounter and offer solutions using their expert knowledge.
4
Can investigate a problem with scientific methods, interpret findings and turn the results into a scientific publication.
5
Can lead the project, plan and manage the activities in a team established to solve the problems related to their field.
6
Can question and criticize new ideas from a scientific point of view without taking sides.
7
They adopt the principle of lifelong learning and can follow new developments in their field.
8
Can share their findings, knowledge and solution suggestions about a problem with colleagues or people outside of their field in written or oral form, in an appropriate language.
9
They have a sense of social responsibility and can use their professional achievements in solving problems in their near and far surroundings.
10
Speaks English at least at B1 level to follow international professional developments.
11
Has basic computer skills and can communicate with colleagues on up-to-date platforms.
12
Knows the basic tools of psychology used in assessment and evaluation and can use these tools.
13
Knows professional responsibilities, authorization, and limits, recognizes psychological problems, can make the right referral for their solution, and abides by ethical principles in research and practice.
14
They consider individual and cultural differences in research and practice and take these differences into account while evaluating the research results.
