Pathologies of rational choice theory - Info and Reading Options

The Open Library:

This is the first comprehensive critical evaluation of the use of rational choice explanations in political science. Writing in an accessible and nontechnical style, Donald P. Green and Ian Shapiro assess rational choice theory where it is reputed to be most successful: the study of collective action, the behavior of political parties and politicians, and such phenomena as voting cycles and Prisoner's Dilemmas. In their hard-hitting critique, Green and Shapiro demonstrate that the much-heralded achievements of rational choice theory are in fact deeply suspect and that fundamental rethinking is needed if rational choice theorists are to contribute to the understanding of politics. Green and Shapiro show that empirical tests of rational choice theories are marred by a series of methodological defects. These defects flow from the characteristic rational choice impulse to defend universal theories of politics. As a result, many tests are so poorly conducted as to be irrelevant to evaluating rational choice models. Tests that are properly conducted either tend to undermine rational choice theories or to lend support for propositions that are banal. Green and Shapiro offer numerous suggestions as to how rational choice propositions might be reformulated as parts of testable hypotheses for the study of politics. In a final chapter they anticipate and respond to a variety of rational choice counterarguments, thereby initiating a dialogue that is bound to continue for some time.

Search for “Pathologies of rational choice theory” downloads:

Visit our Downloads Search page to see if downloads are available.

Borrow "Pathologies of rational choice theory" Online:

Check on the availability of online borrowing. Please note that online borrowing has copyright-based limitations and that the quality of ebooks may vary.

• Is Online Borrowing Available: Yes
• Preview Status: restricted
• Check if available: The Open Library & The Internet Archive

Find “Pathologies of rational choice theory” in Libraries Near You:

Read or borrow “Pathologies of rational choice theory” from your local library.

• The WorldCat Libraries Catalog: Find a copy of “Pathologies of rational choice theory” at a library near you.