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Rational Choice and Politics
Contributor(s): Parsons, Stephen (Author), Townshend, Jules (Editor)
ISBN: 0826477224     ISBN-13: 9780826477224
Publisher: Continuum
OUR PRICE:   $99.00  
Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats
Published: March 2005
Qty:
Annotation: Rational Choice Theory claims to be able to explain how all individuals make not just some of their choices, but all of their choices, all of the time. According to the theory, there is no difference in principle between choosing whether to buy apples rather than bananas or choosing whether to join a political revolution instead of staying at home and watching television. Given these claims to universal applicability, it is perhaps not surprising to find that over the last three or four decades Rational Choice Theory has become increasingly influential as a means of providing explanations in politics. The textbook introduces the premises of Rational Choice Theory and illustrates how this theory can be applied to political studies. The book concludes with an assessment of the usefulness of the model in the light of the problems highlighted.
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Political Science | History & Theory - General
- Philosophy | Political
Dewey: 320.019
LCCN: 2005297954
Series: Critical Political Studies (Continuum Paperback)
Physical Information: 0.63" H x 6.3" W x 9.2" (0.68 lbs) 196 pages
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:

Rational Choice Theory claims to be able to explain how all individuals make not just some of their choices, but all of their choices, all of the time. According to the theory, there is no difference in principle between choosing whether to buy apples rather than bananas or choosing whether to join a political revolution instead of staying at home and watching television. Given these claims to universal applicability, it is perhaps not surprising to find that over the last three or four decades Rational Choice Theory has become increasingly influential as a means of providing explanations in politics. The textbook introduces the premises of Rational Choice Theory and illustrates how this theory can be applied to political studies. The book concludes with an assessment of the usefulness of the model in the light of the problems highlighted.

-Parson's book provides a lucid presentation and a cogent critique of Rational Choice Theory in economics and politics.
Professor Steve Pressman, Department of Economics and Finance, Monmouth University, USA