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Egoistic Rationality and Public Choice: A Critical Review of Theory and Evidence

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  • JOHN QUIGGIN

Abstract

Over the past 20 years there has been a rapid development of public‐choice theory: that is, the application of an assumption of egoistic utility maximization to political behaviour. In this paper it is argued that, in important areas, the available empirical evidence runs counter to this theory. The continuing work in this area therefore reflects ideological, rather than explanatory or predictive, concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • John Quiggin, 1987. "Egoistic Rationality and Public Choice: A Critical Review of Theory and Evidence," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 63(1), pages 10-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecorec:v:63:y:1987:i:1:p:10-21
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-4932.1987.tb00633.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Chorus, Caspar G., 2015. "Models of moral decision making: Literature review and research agenda for discrete choice analysis," Journal of choice modelling, Elsevier, vol. 16(C), pages 69-85.
    2. Quiggin, John, 2004. "The Y2K Scare: Causes, Costs and Cures," Risk and Sustainable Management Group Working Papers 151503, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    3. Gebhard Kirchgässner, 2013. "The Weak Rationality Principle in Economics," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics (SJES), Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics (SSES), vol. 149(I), pages 1-26, March.
    4. Rose, Roger N., 1992. "Changes in native forest management policy," 1992 Conference (36th), February 10-13, 1992, Canberra, Australia 147307, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society.
    5. Johnson, R.W.M., 1995. "Modelling Government Processes and Policies in Agriculture: A Review," Review of Marketing and Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 63(03), pages 1-11, December.
    6. William J. Martin, 1990. "Public Choice Theory And Australian Agricultural Policy Reform," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 34(3), pages 189-211, December.
    7. Johnson, R.W.M., 1994. "The National Interest, Westminster, And Public Choice," Australian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 38(1), pages 1-30, April.
    8. MacAulay, T. Gordon & Thomas, W.C., 1990. "Simultaneity in the Determination of Assistance to Agriculture: Revisited," 1990 Conference (34th), February 13-15, 1990, Brisbane, Australia 145203, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society.
    9. Scrimgeour, Frank G. & Pasour, E.C., Jr., 1994. "The Public Choice Revolution and New Zealand Farm Policy," Review of Marketing and Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 62(02), pages 1-11, August.

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