A critical reflection on optimal decision

Abstract

A discussion and critique of the ideological framework that led to the preponderance of the concepts of utility and optimum as critical referents of decision in the modern age. The result of this critique is an appreciation of the limits of classical operational research, which can only be overcome by adopting a constructivist perspective. In the author's view, this is the approach that will viabilise a contribution to meet the demands imposed by the civilisational process.