Rationality and Formal Theory

Thomas J. Fararo
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Thomas J. Fararo: University of Pittsburgh

Rationality and Society, 1992, vol. 4, issue 4, 437-450

Abstract: Following a certain tradition in action theory within sociology, Smelser argues that maximization and rational calculation should be treated as variables, not as postulates. He also argues that under critical pressures, rational choice theory is developing into a nonfalsifiable doctrine. These two claims suggest two general issues that are treated in this article: one connected with the function of formal theoretical principles in a science and the other connected with the specific role of optimization arguments in social theory.

Date: 1992
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:4:y:1992:i:4:p:437-450

DOI: 10.1177/1043463192004004006

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