Choice, Rationality and Social Theory: 22 (Controversies in Sociology S.) - Hardcover

Hindess, Barry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0043013066 ISBN 13: 9780043013069

Publisher: Routledge, 1988

Synopsis

This book provides a challenge to the claims of rational choice analysis: the theory that life is principally explicable as the outcome of rational self-interest on the part of individual actors intent on maximizing the satisfaction of their own preferences. Through analysis of the concepts of the actor and of rationality, Barry Hindess argues that the theory is seriously deficient and makes highly questionable assumptions which close off major areas of intellectual enquiry. It ignores the existence of actors other than human individuals; the reality of social influences; and the deliberative process of decision making. It is aimed at students of social theory and sociology.

About this title

About the Author

Barry Hindess is Professor at the Research School of Social Sciences at The Australian National University. His previous books include" Politics and Class Analysis" (Blackwell, 1987) and" Political Choice and Social Structure" (1989).

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0043013066
• ISBN 13: 9780043013069
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 120