Howard Raiffa

About the Author

Howard Raiffa was a pioneering figure in the field of decision analysis and negotiation theory, renowned for his contributions to rational choice-making and conflict resolution. Born in 1916, he spent much of his career at Harvard University, where he founded the first program in decision sciences and influenced generations of scholars and practitioners. Raiffa's work bridged mathematics, psychology, and management, emphasizing practical tools for navigating uncertainty and improving outcomes in complex situations. His seminal book, Smart Choices: A Practical Guide to Making Better Decisions, co-authored with John S. Hammond and Ralph L. Keeney, distills decades of research into accessible strategies for everyday and professional decision-making. Raiffa's legacy endures through his emphasis on clarity, creativity, and collaboration in problem-solving, making him a cornerstone of modern behavioral economics.