Theory of games as a tool for the moral philosopher ; An empricist's view of the nature of religious belief

Braithwaite begins from the conclusion of the philosophy of science - that the scientist appeals to inductive policy to defend a hypothesis - to draw a parallel with the justification of a particular action by reference to a moral policy. Both sorts of policies, he argues, are in turn justified by reference to the ends they subserve. In "Theory of Games" he shows that mathematical theory of games can be used to shed light upon such notions as prudence and justice in situations involving human choices and co-operation between individuals. In his work on the nature of religious beliefs he argues that just as a moral assertion is an expression of an intention to act in accordance with a certain policy, so a religious assertion must be understood as a declaration of adherence to a system of moral principles governing "inner life" as well as external behaviour.