The Rational Choice Controversy

Description

Pathologies of Rational Choice Theory, a book written by Donald Green and Ian Shapiro and published in 1994, excited much controversy among political scientists and promoted a dialogue among them that was printed in a double issue of the journal Critical Review in 1995. This new book reproduces thirteen essays from the journal written by senior scholars in the field, along with an introduction by the editor of the journal, Jeffrey Friedman, and a rejoinder to the essays by Green and Shapiro. The scholars—who include John Ferejohn, Morris P. Fiorina, Stanley Kelley, Jr., Robert E. Lane, Peter C. Ordeshook, Norman Schofield, and Kenneth A. Shepsle—criticize, agree with, or build on the issues raised by Green and Shapiros critique. Together the essays provide an interesting and accessible way of focusing on competing approaches to the study of politics and the social sciences. Contents Introduction: Economic Approaches to Politics The Secret Existence of Expressive Behavior Rational Choice Theory’s Mysterious Rivals Rational Choice and the Role of Theory in Political Science Unification, Universalism, and Rational Choice Theory Rational Choice, Empirical Contributions, and the Scientific Enterprise The Promise and Limitations of Rational Choice Theory What Rational Choice Explains The Poverty of Green and Shapiro Rational Choice Theory as Social Physics Engineering or Science: What Is the Study of Politics? Rational Choice and Political Economy Statistical Political Philosophy and Positive Political Theory When Rationality Fails Pathologies Revisited: Reflections on Our Critics References Index