Andrew Hindmoor on the Strengths and Limitations of Rational Choice Theory
# Rational Choice: A Critical Introduction by Andrew Hindmoor - ## Introduction - What is rational choice theory and why is it important for political science? - What are the main assumptions and methods of rational choice theory? - What are the main criticisms and limitations of rational choice theory? - How does this book provide a fair-minded assessment of rational choice theory? - ## Anthony Downs and the Spatial Theory of Party Competition - Who is Anthony Downs and what is his contribution to rational choice theory? - What is the spatial theory of party competition and how does it explain voting behavior? - What are the strengths and weaknesses of the spatial theory of party competition? - How does this theory compare with other approaches to party politics? - ## William Riker and the Theory of Coalitions - Who is William Riker and what is his contribution to rational choice theory? - What is the theory of coalitions and how does it explain political outcomes? - What are the strengths and weaknesses of the theory of coalitions? - How does this theory compare with other approaches to collective action? - ## Kenneth Arrow and Social Choice Theory - Who is Kenneth Arrow and what is his contribution to rational choice theory? - What is social choice theory and how does it explain social welfare? - What are the strengths and weaknesses of social choice theory? - How does this theory compare with other approaches to social justice? - ## Mancur Olson and the Logic of Collective Action - Who is Mancur Olson and what is his contribution to rational choice theory? - What is the logic of collective action and how does it explain public goods provision? - What are the strengths and weaknesses of the logic of collective action? - How does this theory compare with other approaches to public policy? - ## William Niskanen and Bureaucracy - Who is William Niskanen and what is his contribution to rational choice theory? - What is bureaucracy and how does it explain government behavior? - What are the strengths and weaknesses of bureaucracy? - How does this theory compare with other approaches to public administration? - ## Gordon Tullock, Rent-Seeking and Constitutions - Who is Gordon Tullock and what is his contribution to rational choice theory? - What is rent-seeking and how does it explain political corruption? - What are the strengths and weaknesses of rent-seeking? - How does this theory compare with other approaches to political economy? - ## Rationality - What is rationality and how is it defined in rational choice theory? - What are the different types and levels of rationality in rational choice theory? - What are the challenges and controversies surrounding rationality in rational choice theory? - How does rationality relate to other concepts such as preferences, beliefs, emotions, morality, etc. in rational choice theory? - ## Rational Choice Explanation - What is explanation and how is it achieved in rational choice theory? - What are the different types and modes of explanation in rational choice theory? - What are the criteria and standards of explanation in rational choice theory? - How does explanation relate to other concepts such as causation, prediction, understanding, etc. in rational choice theory? - ## Conclusion - What are the main findings and arguments of this book on rational choice theory? - What are the main contributions and implications of this book for political science? - What are the main challenges and limitations of this book on rational choice theory? - What are the main directions and suggestions for future research on rational choice theory? - ## FAQs 1. ### What are some examples of applications of rational choice theory in political science? 2. ### What are some alternatives or complements to rational choice theory in political science? 3. ### How can one learn more about rational choice theory in political science? 4. ### How can one evaluate or critique rational choice theory in political science? 5. ### How can one use or improve rational choice theory in political science?
Andrew Hindmoor Rational Choice 11.pdf
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