Rational choice theory

Rational choice theory ( engl. rational choice theory [' ræʃənl tʃɔɪs ] ) is a collective term for various approaches to a theory of action in the social sciences. Generally write these approaches acting subjects ( actors) rational behavior, these subjects show due to some preferences, a benefit -maximizing (eg cost -minimizing ) behavior. While this behavior is dominant assumption in economics, presents the theory of rational choice in the social sciences, a paradigm under other dar.

Purpose and Method

The theories of rational choice also based on the classical economics of Adam Smith, rely on Max Weber's program of interpretive sociology and to the ideas of Hans Morgenthau. They try to include as easier to grasp complex social actions with the help of model assumptions. In the early application of the rational choice approach, such as in political science by William H. Riker at the American University of Rochester, was the objective sought to find social law, the universality and logical coherence, such as the Newtonian physics possess. Modern representatives of the rational choice approach point to the advantages of the logical- deductive properties of mathematical models for rigorous theorizing. They also refer to the benefits of the approach for generating causal explanations at the level of the individual. Based on the macro - micro-macro scheme emphasize representatives of the theory of rational choice that social change is not fully moving to strict laws. General Laws appear only at the level of human behavior. It is this human behavior constants allow together with the respective boundary conditions of a social situation to predict the actions of the actors.

Explanatory models of rational choice range from classic homo economicus to RREEMM ( Restricted Resourceful Expecting Evaluating Maximising Man) of modern sociology. About the concept of rationality of the rational individual there as well as on the weighting and formation of preferences is no consensus. Some authors assume only that actors are transitive and complete preferences have known. Still others make assumptions about the course of utility functions. Furthermore, there is no consensus as to whether only objectively measurable variables, eg Cash prizes, or whether subjective sensations, such as the joy should be, involved in altruistic action as a benefit in the models. Lenses sizes increase the empirical testability of theories. Subjective utility designed the models, although more realistic, but carries the risk that virtually every action by the arbitrary introduction of further may be difficult or impossible verifiable subjective preferences are explained. Thus, the theory might lose one of its main advantages the ability to derive precise as possible hypotheses.

Applications of game theory to study the theory of rational decision are particularly the ultimatum games. Furthermore, the behavioral research examines decision-making behavior, the arbitrary acts and thus seems to be in conflict with rational behavior.

Controversial points

While the rational choice theory in economics is an important paradigm and it is held in many models as sufficient to start from rational decision theory in sociology and political science is controversial. One of the main points of contention is the methodological individualism used; it is debated whether it is possible to determine social behavior and social laws by the behavior of many single individuals, or whether social action has its own laws. A weaker version of this critique criticizes the approach of the rational decision to take social issues structurally determined under complex. On the other hand is the strong model character of the approach to criticism: There is empirical evidence that people act rationally limited and that it is for mutually beneficial. Most theorists of rational decision admit this, but make claims that rational utility maximization constituted a plausible assumption, could be adapted from the specific models of the situations.

Approaches based on the theory of rational choice, exert an increasing influence from both the global as well as on the German social sciences.

Known representatives

Action theory (sociology) Subject (philosophy) Verstehen Social research Neoliberalism (international relations) Subjective expected utility Gary Becker Tyler Cowen Integrated Authority File
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