Beyond Rational Choice Theory

TLDR

Skepticism toward sociology has risen, prompting reliance on rational choice theory (RCT), which, while productive, fails to explain positive nontrivial and normative nonconsequential beliefs because it adopts a narrow definition of rationality. The authors propose developing a model that combines RCT’s strengths while avoiding its shortcomings. The model integrates RCT’s self‑sufficient explanations with a broader conception of rationality to overcome those limitations. This model is implicitly employed in classical and modern sociological works, which are regarded as illuminating and valid.

Abstract

▪ Abstract Skepticism toward sociology has grown over recent years. The attention granted to rational choice theory (RCT) is, to a large extent, a reaction against this situation. Without doubt, RCT is a productive instrument, but it fails signally in explaining positive nontrivial beliefs as well as normative nonconsequential beliefs. RCT's failures are due to its move to use too narrow a definition of rationality. A model can be developed that combines the advantages of the RCT (mainly providing self-sufficient explanations), without falling victim to its shortcomings. This model is implicitly used in classical and modern sociological works that are considered to be illuminating and valid.