To smoke or not to smoke: a decision theory perspective

Although smoking as a customary behavior is currently becoming outmoded, and may even be viewed as a 'deviant' behavior; its use persists among certain social groups in our own and other societies. We address this issue by describing the inherent design features and benefits of tobacco, and tobacco smoking, and propose that its use be conceptualized as a reasoned act based upon its subjectively perceived net worth to the individual. A survey of the scientific literature is made and cross-cultural examples are used.