Reappraisal of Rational Choice Theory

Katalin Martinas () and Agoston Reguly
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Katalin Martinas: Department of Atomic Physics, Eötvös Loránd University

Interdisciplinary Description of Complex Systems - scientific journal, 2013, vol. 11, issue 1, 14-28

Abstract: The value of rational choice theory (RCT) for the social sciences has long been contested. Much time has been spent by economists and critics on the pervasive but elusive concept of rationality. The critiques mainly challenge the basis of the utility theorem. Several articles on the misuse of mathematics in economics have already appeared in the literature. As N. Bouleau stated, "On several occasions, however, one feels that the criticism is that the math is being misused and should be developed in some other direction (e.g. a statistical analysis of the financial tendencies that polarize wealth and income, or a study of the positive feedback mechanisms, etc.). This leaves certain dissatisfaction - on a philosophical level." The aim of this paper is to present a decision theory, yields intention (logos) and valuation (existence). Here we present a new mathematical representation of RCT, which leads to a dynamic economic theory. We discuss the philosophical or meta-economical problems, which are needed for the successful applications of mathematics.

Keywords: rational choice theory; dynamic economic theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D51 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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