The Mainstream Variant Of Rational Choice Theory

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‘The mainstream variant of rational choice theory assumes that individuals have all the rational capacity, time and emotional detachment necessary to choose the best course of action, no matter how complex the choice.’ (Hugh Ward, in Marsh and Stoker) To what extent does this approach enable us to explain individual and collective action in politics and international relations. Rational choice theory is a key and prominent political concept which has developed and enriched since its materialization out of the behavioural revolution in America during the late Fifties, early Sixties. The foundations of rational choice theory can be traced back to the sphere of economics, where it developed and grew to include matters of political science as well as the study of sociology. The question which needs to be examined is: To what degree are individuals rational calculators of their own interests? Mainstream rational choice theorists argue that individuals are purely motivated by self-interest. This approach supports the argument that ‘individuals have all the rational capacity, time and emotional detachment necessary to choose the best course of action’, this theory deems that individuals are programmed to be able to take into consideration the results of hypothetical (options that only exist in theory) actions, and place in order of preference, choosing the option that maximises their utility. Zafirovski highlights that, ‘Rational choice theory is grounded on the neo-classical economic model of rationality with its basis in the concept of utility function’, this emphasises the actions of the individual, likening their profit maximising predispositions to that of the manufacturer and consumer in neo-classical economics. The concept of rational choice has even been broadened to cover the issue of extremism, such as terrorism, arguing that rational actors martyr
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