Publisher Description

This is the first comprehensive critical evaluation of the use of rational choice theory in political science. Writing in an accessible and nontechnical style, Donald P. Green and Ian Shapiro assess rational choice theory where it is reputed to be most successful: the study of collective action, the behavior of political parties and politicians, and such phenomena as voting cycles and Prisoner's Dilemmas. In their hard-hitting critique, Green and Shapiro demonstrate that the much heralded achievements of rational choice theory are in fact deeply suspect and that fundamental rethinking is needed if rational choice theorists are to contribute to the understanding of politics. In their final chapters, they anticipate and respond to a variety of possible rational choice responses to their arguments, thereby initiating a dialogue that is bound to continue for some time.

Author Biography

Ian Shapiro is the Sterling Professor of Political Science aIan Shapiro is the Sterling Professor of Political Science at Yale University. Among his many books are "Containment: Ret Yale University. Among his many books are "Containment: Rebuilding a Strategy against Global Terror" and "The Flight fbuilding a Strategy against Global Terror" and "The Flight from Reality in the Human Sciences" (both Princeton). rom Reality in the Human Sciences" (both Princeton).

Details