Explanation, formal models, and rational choice

Scott Ashworth

Journal of Theoretical Politics, 2024, vol. 36, issue 4, 328-343

Abstract: Formal theorists use a unified collection of models to generate intentional and causal explanations of political behavior. I explicate this claim and argue that disagreements about the role of unification and intentionality are at the root of persistent friction between theorists and empiricists. A debate around pathologies of rational choice theory is used to illustrate the argument.

Keywords: Intentional explanation; models; rational choice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:36:y:2024:i:4:p:328-343

DOI: 10.1177/09516298241270965

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