Since the mid-1950s, decision theory has become a very active research area in economics, statistics, psychology, and philosophy. However, different disciplines deal with different problems, and thus we have a rather heterogeneous field of research. A contribution to decision theory can be anything from a mathematical axiomatization to an experimental report. This does not mean, however, that there is no common theoretical core. The present volume aims at presenting the theoretical foundations of Bayesian decision theory and some alternative theories that have been developed as a consequence of the problems raised by the traditional theory.

We hope that this volume will be useful as a textbook. To this end we have written a self-contained introduction as well as brief presentations of each of the parts. We also hope that it will be of value to researchers interested in the foundations of decision theory. Assuming the reader has some prior knowledge of decision theory (that is, what is given in the introduction), Parts I to V can be read as separate entities.

The volume concludes with a comprehensive bibliography. It mainly consists of works referred to in the text, but we have also added a number of items that we thought would add to its usefulness as a source of reference.

Including the bibliography made it necessary to change some of the original footnotes in the articles. Some cross references have also been added.