anything that anyone does can be considered “rational” just by postulating the right utility function.
No, they actually have to have that utility function. That my actions would be rational if I did value something doesn’t mean they actually are. However, in the case we’re discussing it seemed you were stipulating just those people—people who value possessions qua possessions.
No, they actually have to have that utility function. That my actions would be rational if I did value something doesn’t mean they actually are. However, in the case we’re discussing it seemed you were stipulating just those people—people who value possessions qua possessions.