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Rational Choice Theory and Explanation

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  • Frank Lovett

    (Washington University in St Louis, USA,flovett@artsci.wustl.edu)

Abstract

Much of the debate concerning rational choice theory (RCT) is fruitless because many people (both critics and defenders) fail to correctly understand the role it plays in developing explanations of social phenomena. For the most part, people view rational choice theory as a species of intentional explanation; on the best available understanding, however, it should be viewed as contributing to the construction of straightforward causal explanations. Debate concerning RCT can progress in a worthwhile manner only once this point is correctly understood. Once it is, many common critiques are easily answered, but at the same time, the ambitions of some rational choice theorists are deflated.

Suggested Citation

  • Frank Lovett, 2006. "Rational Choice Theory and Explanation," Rationality and Society, , vol. 18(2), pages 237-272, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:18:y:2006:i:2:p:237-272
    DOI: 10.1177/1043463106060155
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. MacDONALD, PAUL K., 2003. "Useful Fiction or Miracle Maker: The Competing Epistemological Foundations of Rational Choice Theory," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 97(4), pages 551-565, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Clemens Kroneberg & Meir Yaish & Volker Stocké, 2010. "Norms and Rationality in Electoral Participation and in the Rescue of Jews in WWII," Rationality and Society, , vol. 22(1), pages 3-36, February.
    2. Nurul Zahirah Mokhtar Azizi & Nazirah Zainul Abidin & Nurul Sakina Mokhtar Azizi & Nasyairi Mat Nasir, 2017. "Overcooling of office buildings in Malaysia," Journal of Advances in Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Yi-Hsing Hsieh, vol. 3(3), pages 182-192.
    3. Marek Hudik, 2019. "Two interpretations of the rational choice theory and the relevance of behavioral critique," Rationality and Society, , vol. 31(4), pages 464-489, November.
    4. Dirk Witteveen & Paul Attewell, 2022. "Black-White incentive inequality for college persistence," Rationality and Society, , vol. 34(2), pages 155-184, May.
    5. Collin, Sven-Olof Yrjö & Ahlberg, Jenny, 2012. "Blood in the boardroom: Family relationships influencing the functions of the board," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 3(4), pages 207-219.
    6. James Johnson, 2010. "What Rationality Assumption? Or, How ‘Positive Political Theory’ Rests on a Mistake," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 58(2), pages 282-299, March.
    7. Iain Hampsher‐Monk & Andrew Hindmoor, 2010. "Rational Choice and Interpretive Evidence: Caught between a Rock and a Hard Place?," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 58(1), pages 47-65, February.
    8. Eva Ebenhöh & Claudia Pahl-Wostl, 2008. "Agent Behavior Between Maximization and Cooperation," Rationality and Society, , vol. 20(2), pages 227-252, May.
    9. Uriel Abulof, 2015. "The malpractice of “rationality†in international relations," Rationality and Society, , vol. 27(3), pages 358-384, August.

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