Rational choice theory analyzes how an agent can rationally act, given his or her preferences, but says little about where those preferences come from. Preferences are usually assumed to be …xed and exogenously given. Building on related work on reasons and rational choice (Dietrich and List forthcoming), we describe a framework for conceptualizing preference formation and preference change. In...

Abstract This paper is about rational sociality. Retaining rational choice as its basic framework, it aims to enrich it by taking seriously a well-established cultural, social and psychological phenomenon: that some inter-personal relationships have intrinsic value. These are termed primary. Because of the risk of adverse instrumental outcomes, agents offer primary relationships on certain term...

In rational choice theory, individuals are assumed always to choose the option that will provide them maximum utility. But actual choices must be based on subjective perceptions of the attributes of the available options, and the accuracy of these perceptions will always be limited by the informationprocessing capacity of one’s nervous system. I propose a theory of valuation errors under the hy...

Mean-deviation analysis, along with the existing theories of coherent risk measures and dual utility, is examined in the context of the theory of choice under uncertainty, which studies rational preference relations for random outcomes based on different sets of axioms such as transitivity, monotonicity, continuity, etc. An axiomatic foundation of the theory of coherent risk measures is obtaine...

Governance is best analysed using rational choice theory to identify the extent which different groups can systematically punish and reward others. This roughly in line with Dowding’s important book Rational Choice Political Power. It though sense that it does not focus on measurement of social power, but rather a subset it. Focusing latter avoids difficulties relating systematic luck, such as ...

Objective This study investigates some of the mechanisms, which may explain social inequalities in usage early childhood education and care (ECEC) by focusing on a recently born child cohort Germany, universal childcare regime. Background Research recognizes rational cost–benefit considerations as important for understanding educational decisions. Yet, given data limitations, we know relatively...

Abstract The critics of rational choice theory (henceforth, RCT) frequently claim that RCT is self-defeating in the sense agents who abide by RCT’s prescriptions are less successful satisfying their preferences than they would be if abided some normative other RCT. In this paper, I combine insights from philosophy action, mind and foundations to rebut often-made criticism. then explicate implic...