In past years, the traditional Bayesian theory of rational
decision making, based on subjective calculations of expected utility,
has faced powerful attack from philosophers such as David Lewis and
Brian Skyrms, who advance an alternative causal decision theory. The
test they present for the Bayesian is exemplified in the decision
problem known as 'Newcomb's paradox' and in related decision problems
and is held to support the prescriptions of the causal theory. As well
as his conclusions, the concepts and methods of Professor Eells
introduces in the course of his analyses have extensive implications,
not solely for probability theorists narrowly conceived, but for
economists, statisticians and psychologists concerned with decision
making and the employment of Bayesian principles. They and their
students will, in addition, find the early chapters of great use as a
background and introduction to the subject as a whole.