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The Social Sciences and Rationality - Promise, Limits, and Problems (Paperback)
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The Social Sciences and Rationality - Promise, Limits, and Problems (Paperback)
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In recent decades, rational choice theory has emerged as the single
most powerful, controversial claimant to provide a unified,
theoretical framework for all the social sciences. In its simplest
form, the theory postulates that humans are purposive beings who
pursue their goals in a rational, efficient manner, seeking the
greatest benefit at the lowest cost. This volume brings together
prominent scholars working in several social science disciplines
and the philosophy of science to debate the promise and problems of
rational choice theory. As rational choice theory has spread from
its home base in economics to other disciplines, it has come under
fierce criticism. To its critics, the extension of the explanatory
model mistakenly assumes that the logic of economic rationality can
explain non-economic behavior and, at its worst, commits the
ethnocentric error of imposing Western concepts of rationality on
non-Western societies and cultures. This volume includes strong
advocates as well as forceful critics of the rational choice
approach. However, in contrast to previous debates, all the
contributors share a commitment to open, constructive and
knowledgeable dialogue. Well-known advocates of rational choice
theory (Michael Hechter, Michael Smith, Chris Manfredi) explicitly
ponder some of its serious limitations, while equally well-known
critics (Ian Shapiro, Mario Bunge) strike a surprisingly
conciliatory tone in contemplating its legitimate uses. Vociferous
critics of neoclassical economics (Bunge) favorably discuss
sociological proponents of rational choice theory while two
economists who are not particularly anti-mainstream (Robin Rowley,
George Grantham) critically assess the problems of such assumptions
in their discipline. Philosophers (Storrs McCall) and sociologists
(John Hall) alike reflect on the variable meaning of rationality in
explaining social behavior. In the introduction and conclusion, the
editors survey the current state of the debate and show how open,
constructive dialogue enables us to move beyond hackneyed
accusations and dismissals that have characterized much previous
debate.
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