Rational Choice Theory and Explanation

Frank Lovett
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Frank Lovett: Washington University in St Louis, USA,flovett@artsci.wustl.edu

Rationality and Society, 2006, vol. 18, issue 2, 237-272

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.

Keywords: game theory; methodological individualism; social science epistemology; utility theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2006
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:18:y:2006:i:2:p:237-272

DOI: 10.1177/1043463106060155

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