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The nature and scope of rational-choice explanation

Jon Elster

pp. 51-65

Abstract

How do rational-choice explanations explain? What are their limits and limitations? I want to discuss these questions in three steps. In Section I the topic is the more general category of intentional explanation of behavior. Section II adds the specifications needed to generate rational-choice explanation. Section III considers more closely the power of rational-choice theory to yield unique deductions. In particular, this concerns the possible nonunicity and even nonexistence of optimal choice.

Publication details

Published in:

Ullmann-Margalit Edna (1988) Science in reflection: the Israel colloquium: studies in history, philosophy, and sociology of science volume 3. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 51-65

Full citation:

Elster Jon (1988) „The nature and scope of rational-choice explanation“, In: E. Ullmann-Margalit (ed.), Science in reflection, Dordrecht, Springer, 51–65.