The explanatory potential of rational choice theory: a critical assessment

Abstract

What are the explanatory values characteristic of concepts consid-ering humans as entities aimed at maximizing expected utility by means of coherent and logical decisions? Do citizens who are ac-tive in politics behave according to the expectations of rational choice theorists? Reviews of premises constituting rational choice theory are found in the works of authors representing multiple dis-ciplines. The vastness of these views will not be discussed within the limitations of the present article, though I have focused on the output of selected disciplines: evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and social and cognitive psychology. Among the phenomena that question the theory I have included: emotions and feelings, uncon- scious prejudices, heuristics, self-deception and the monological belief system.