The rational choice theory, also known as choice theory or rational action theory, is a theory for understanding and often modelling social and economic as well as individual behaviour.
WHAT IS HERMENEUTICAL PHENOMENOLOGY?
is a philosophy of and a method for interpreting human experiences as a means to understand the question what is to be human.
PHENOMENOLOGY AS DEVELOPED BY EDMUND HUSSERL
is an inquiry on how human mind can grasp the true nature of things as experienced in the world.
Phenomenological perspective tells us to
remove our preconceved ideas in order to
arrive at a pure description of our
experiences.
PHENOMENOLOGY AS DEVELOPED BY MARTIN HEIDEGGER
states that human are born in a particular historical period, country, community, and background.
Hermeneutic circle- the process wherein
one's influences affect his or her
experiences of the world.
HERMENEUTIC CIRCLE
rational action theory or choice theory, school of thought based on the assumption that individuals choose a course of action that is most in line with their personal preferences.
A discussion about the early history of functionalism and its proponents as well as the concept of structuralism and Merton's concept of Manifest and Latent Functions and Dysfunctions in social elements
by c. eguillon module 9 of discipline and ideas in social sciences of senior high grade 11
Institutions provide social legitimacy and survival through Isomorphism. Isomorphism refers to the similarity in form, shape or structure. Institutions arise, change, and persist due to their regulative, normative and cognitive functions. These functions are isomorphic in nature as they adopt in form, shape or structure to provide social legitimacy, survival or both.
Formal institutions are codified rules, policies and norms that are considered official, originating from state laws, government or organizations. Examples: constitution, official law, regulation, standards enforced by the state. Formal institutions are codified rules, policies and norms that are considered official, originating from state laws, government or organizations. Examples: constitution, official law, regulation, standards enforced by the state.
WHAT IS HERMENEUTICAL PHENOMENOLOGY?
is a philosophy of and a method for interpreting human experiences as a means to understand the question what is to be human.
PHENOMENOLOGY AS DEVELOPED BY EDMUND HUSSERL
is an inquiry on how human mind can grasp the true nature of things as experienced in the world.
Phenomenological perspective tells us to
remove our preconceved ideas in order to
arrive at a pure description of our
experiences.
PHENOMENOLOGY AS DEVELOPED BY MARTIN HEIDEGGER
states that human are born in a particular historical period, country, community, and background.
Hermeneutic circle- the process wherein
one's influences affect his or her
experiences of the world.
HERMENEUTIC CIRCLE
rational action theory or choice theory, school of thought based on the assumption that individuals choose a course of action that is most in line with their personal preferences.
A discussion about the early history of functionalism and its proponents as well as the concept of structuralism and Merton's concept of Manifest and Latent Functions and Dysfunctions in social elements
by c. eguillon module 9 of discipline and ideas in social sciences of senior high grade 11
Institutions provide social legitimacy and survival through Isomorphism. Isomorphism refers to the similarity in form, shape or structure. Institutions arise, change, and persist due to their regulative, normative and cognitive functions. These functions are isomorphic in nature as they adopt in form, shape or structure to provide social legitimacy, survival or both.
Formal institutions are codified rules, policies and norms that are considered official, originating from state laws, government or organizations. Examples: constitution, official law, regulation, standards enforced by the state. Formal institutions are codified rules, policies and norms that are considered official, originating from state laws, government or organizations. Examples: constitution, official law, regulation, standards enforced by the state.
Rational choice theory can apply to a variety of areas, including economics, psychology and philosophy. This theory states that individuals use their self-interests to make choices that will provide them with the greatest benefit. People weigh their options and make the choice they think will serve them best.
REGULARIAN PERSPECTIVETo gain a sense of why it is important to.docxsodhi3
REGULARIAN PERSPECTIVE
“To gain a sense of why it is important to subject morality to philosophical inquiry, we should view morality, not as a collection of rules, but as a set of guidelines that we must apply to the very complex circumstances of our lives.” (Furrow, 2005)As such, each of the theories discussed in CRJU 250 have their strengths and weaknesses, and serve as base – not an absolute - for resolving ethical dilemmas.There does not appear to be one all-inclusive theory of moral reasoning.
The regularian perspective, at face value, appears simplistic. The only thing the person, making the decision regarding an ethical dilemma, needs to know is the rule(s). This perspective views that an act is morally good if it obeys the rules. If the rule(s) indicates the action is permissible then it is considered ethical; in contrast, if the rule(s) indicates the action is not permissible, then it is considered unethical. This perspective posits that the individual is obligated to follow the rules. Similar to other perspectives, with regularianism, the person making the decision must avoid desires and emotions, and act objectively. This is the most notable advantage of rule-based ethics. Sources for rules include commands, directives, policies and procedures, Code of Ethics, and laws.
Problems: What if it is a bad or immoral rule? An example of this is the Nuremberg Defense; where the individuals who perpetrated crimes against the Jews during WW II, claimed they did nothing wrong since they were following Hitler’s rules to murder them. What if there is not rule? Hmmm?! What if there are two rules that conflict each other? The hope is that the person who is making the decision will find another rule that clarifies the conflict!
STEPS:
1. Regardless of the possible options, what is (are) the rule(s)? I must follow the rule(s).
REFERENCES
Dreisbach, C. (2008). Ethics in Criminal Justice. New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education.
Furrow, D. (2005). Ethics: Key Concepts in Philosophy. New York: Continuum Books.
DEONTOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
“To gain a sense of why it is important to subject morality to philosophical inquiry, we should view morality, not as a collection of rules, but as a set of guidelines that we must apply to the very complex circumstances of our lives.” (Furrow, 2005)As such, each of the theories discussed in CRJU 250 have their strengths and weaknesses, and serve as base – not an absolute - for resolving ethical dilemma. There does not appear to be one all-inclusive theory of moral reasoning.
Deontologists believe that one’s action must conform to recognized duties, the consequences are not important. By conforming, one is “doing the right thing” not because it solely pleases the individual or promotes good consequences, but rather because the individual is adhering to the concepts of duty, obligation and rationality. The deontological perspective allows for one’s intentions/motives to be valued, regardless of the outcome.
Deontolog ...
Chapter 4 Administration Responsibility The Key to Administrativ.docxketurahhazelhurst
Chapter 4: Administration Responsibility: The Key to Administrative Ethics In order to access the following resource, click the links below. Watch the following segments from the full video listed below: Utilitarian Theory (segment 10 of 15) and Duty Theory (Segment 11 of 15). These video segments provide more information on two important theories in ethics. Films Media Group (Producer). (2004). Ethics: What is right [Video file]. Retrieved from https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPl aylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=32706 The transcript for this video can be found by clicking on “Transcript” in the gray bar to the right of the video in the Films on Demand database. Unit Lesson Philosophical Theories: Related to Ethical Decision-Making Many theorists have concluded that several decision-making models exist that focus on consistent norms and have derived from society and individual impressions. The textbook cites several sources that are prominent in this field, and lists some of the well-known founders of these theories. Participants that develop topics of public policy, such as social equity, education, conflict resolution, or human rights, may base their decisionmaking on the beliefs related to certain philosophies. Utilitarianism: Approach Based on Consequences Based on consequences, an action may be right or wrong. Jeremy Bentham and John Steward Mills derived this theory that was completely based on reason. The authors did not want their theory based on religion or a particular societal level of norms. More so, Utilitarianism wanted everyone to have access to a thinking mind and is based off an idea of utility or usefulness. An abbreviated summary of Bentham and Mills theory can be summarized as “the greatest good, for the greatest number or population.” We can assume that “good” means happiness or pleasure for most people. Another concept closely related to this outcome is efficacy, which implies the “least desired input for greatest desired output.” Business and government usually take this strategy for different reasons – mainly associated with resources. If one thinks about successful business and government practices, the decision-making effort outcomes generally result in products and services that work best, cost least, and last the longest. The consumer mindset also uses this simple and natural buying process for decision-making. The successful business leader uses this variable for short and long-term investment decisions, and the public manager focuses on successful public services, which utilizes public funding in a prudent and wise fashion. Another public example is the government buying process where services and products are purchased though a competitive vetting process where needs, values, and timely delivery are critical components of the purchasing decision model. Efficacy also applies to students who UNIT II STUDY GUIDE Established Philosophies Affecting Public Eth ...
Berlin Summer School Presentation Olsen Data Epistemology and Methods Paradig...Wendy Olsen
Berlin Summer School in Social Science. Presentation by Wendy Olsen on Epistemology (Aspects of Knowing) in Methodological Paradigms (Schools of Thought)
Realism, Constructivism, Positivism, Empiricism
Data, Epistemology, Methodology, and Methods Paradigms. Data Collection [book] London: Sage 2012 Date of presentation, July 23, 2014.
Administrative behaviour does comprise the basic popular element of decision-making. Many academics and social scientists, in particular public administration scientists, will be aware that Herbert A. Simon, the foremost decision theorist, defines decision-making as the optimum rational choice between alternative courses of action. According to him, decision making pervades the entire organisation, that is, decisions are made at all level of organisation. Hence he perceives an organisation as a structure of decision makers. He equates administration with decision making as every aspect of administration resolves around decision-making. Further Simon argues that before one can establish any immutable principles of administration one must be able to describe, exactly how an administration organisation looks and exactly how it works. He observes that before a science can develop principles, it must possess concepts. Decision-making is the most important activity of administration…. An administrative science, like science, is concerned purely with factual statements, and there is no place for ethical statements in the study of science. To sum up the study, H.A. Simon’s concept of administration comprises two basic elements; namely, (a) The emphasis upon decision-making approach as the alternative to the classical thinkers’ principles approach, that is, structural approach; and (b) The advocacy of empirical approach, value-free approach, as against the normative approach to the study of administration.
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Honest Reviews of Tim Han LMA Course Program.pptxtimhan337
Personal development courses are widely available today, with each one promising life-changing outcomes. Tim Han’s Life Mastery Achievers (LMA) Course has drawn a lot of interest. In addition to offering my frank assessment of Success Insider’s LMA Course, this piece examines the course’s effects via a variety of Tim Han LMA course reviews and Success Insider comments.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Introduction to AI for Nonprofits with Tapp NetworkTechSoup
Dive into the world of AI! Experts Jon Hill and Tareq Monaur will guide you through AI's role in enhancing nonprofit websites and basic marketing strategies, making it easy to understand and apply.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
2. Overview of the Topic
1. Introduction of RCT (
Rational Choice Theory)
2. Growth of RCT
3. Assumption of the RCT
a. Individualism
b. Optimality
c. Structures
d. Self-Regarding Interest
e. Rationality
4. Steps in RCT Process
5. Strength of RCT
6. Application of RCT
a. Gaming
b. Party Politics
c. Legislation
d. Public Good
e. Coalition Building
7. RCT and Collective Action
8. Criticism of RCT
3. INTRODUCTION
•The rational choice theory, also known as choice
theory or rational action theory, is a theory for
understanding and often modelling social and
economic as well as individual behaviour. It is the
main paradigm in the currently-dominant
microeconomics school of thought. It is also
central to modern political science, as well as other
disciplines such as sociology and philosophy.
4. • “The rational choice theory was early
popularized by a 1992 Nobel Memorial Prize
Laureate in Economics Science, Gary Becker,
who was one of the first to apply rational actor
models more widely”. Elster (1989) stated the
essence of rational choice theory when he said
that “when faced with several courses of
action, people usually do what they believe is
likely to have the best overall outcome”.
5. •Contemporary political theory, the so-called
rational choice model, starts with the assumption
that actors know what they want and can order
their wants transitively. (These formulations are
probably equivalent. To know what one wants
requires one to choose the best from among several
goals and, failing to attain it, to choose the second
best, etc. To order three goals is to decide that one
is better than either of the other two and that a
second is better than a third, which is exactly a
transitive ordering
6. •The concept of rationality used in rational choice theory
is different from the colloquial and most philosophical
use of the word. Colloquially, "rational" behaviour
typically means "sensible", "predictable", or "in a
thoughtful, clear-headed manner." Rational choice
theory uses a narrower definition of rationality. At its
most basic level, behavior is rational if it is goal-
oriented, reflective (evaluative), and consistent (across
time and different choice situations). This contrasts with
behavior that is random, impulsive, conditioned, or
adopted by (unevaluative) imitation.
7. GROWTH OF THE RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY
• Rational choice is argued to have developed as part of the
behavioural revolution in American political science of the 1950s and
1960s which sought to investigate how individuals behaved, using
empirical methods.
• Olson (1965) showed that individuals with self interest would not
always take part in collective action to accomplish a common goal,
for instance, why would some of us refuse to pay our tax despite the
fact that the monies derived from taxes are used to develop our
society; improve basic amenities and security. This has lead to the
development of the collective action theory, which can assist us to
explain how collective actions failures can be grossly reduced if the
decision-makers involved are small.
8. • Upon the foundation of individualism, the rational choice
theory may go further to portray how sharing, cooperation, or
norms emerge, and the role they play in the decision making
process.
• The rational choice theory begins, firstly, from the viewpoint
of the individual, as opposed to viewing several individuals
interacting together, social situations, or groups.
•It begins with a few simple assumptions about the individual
and the relationship among individuals, and then builds
models of social action and interaction that describe and
explain the complexities of larger groups, systems, and whole
societies.
9. •This approach is very different from the systems
and structural approaches of Durkheim or Parsons,
who make social norms and values at the societal
level an essential feature of their perspective. It
also differs from the writers in the Marxian and
Weberian traditions that emphasize large-scale,
global, and historical social forces. The rational
choice theory also runs opposed to the symbolic
interaction, interpretive, and feminist approaches
that adopts a dense and complex view of social
actors and social interaction.
10. • The latter consider meaning, interpretation,
emotions, experiences, and a wide variety of
aspects of human existence, none of which can
be reduced to the other, nor is capable of
simple explanation. Contrastingly, the theory
adopts a relatively spare and simple model of
the individual, one that can be applied across
time and space, so that it is a universal model.
11. ASSUMPTIONS OF THE RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY
•There are a few assumptions made by rational choice
theorists. Abell (2000) noted three assumptions made
by rational choice theorists. These assumptions include:
1. Individualism – it is individuals who ultimately take
actions. Individuals, as actors in the society and
everywhere, behave and act always as rational beings,
selfcalculating, self-interested and self-maximizing,
these individual social actions are the ultimate source of
larger social outcomes.
12. 2. Optimality – Individual choose their actions
optimally, given their individual preferences as well as
the opportunities or constraints with which the individual
faced. Abell (2000) defines optimality as taking place
when no other course of social action would be preferred
by the individual over the course of action the individual
has chosen. This does not mean that the course of action
that the actor adopts is the best in terms of some
objective, and outside judgment. The rational choice
theory, therefore assumes, according to Abell (2000), that
individuals “do the best they can, given their
circumstances as they see them”.
13. 3.Structures - Abell argues that structures and
norms that dictate a single course of action are
merely special cases of rational choice
theory.Although these structures may be damaging
to the rational choice model, individuals will often
find a way to exercise action optimally, hence the
rational choice model may not necessarily show
harmony, consensus, or equality in courses of
action.
14. 4.Self-Regarding Interest – This assumption states that the
actions of the individual are concerned entirely with his or her
own welfare. Abell (2000) noted that in as much as this is a key
assumption in the rational choice approach, is not as essential to
the approach as the assumption on optimality. He also noted that
various types of group sentiments could exist, such as
cooperation, unselfishness, charity, which initially may seem to
be contrary to individual optimality. Rational choice theorist
may argue that these sentiments can be incorporated into the
rational choice model by observing that such sentiments may
ultimately be aimed at pursuing some form of self-interest.
15. 5. Rationality – This appears the most
predominant assumption of the rational
theory. All individuals, according to this
assumption act in ways that would benefit
them more; every individual is most like to
undertake courses of actions that they
perceive to be the best possible option and
one that would immensely be to their own
advantage.
16. STEPS IN THE RATIONAL CHOICE PROCESS
•In order for a decision or choice process to be
accepted as rational outside the individual,
such a choice process must be arrived at
based on certain steps that form the guideline
for concluding such actions as rational. Green
(2002) outlined certain steps which he believes
the rational choice analysis should follow:
17. • (1) Identify the relevant agents and make assumptions about their
objectives.
• (2) Identify the constraints faced by each agent.
• (3) Determine the “decision rules” of each agent, which characterize
how an agent’s choices respond to changes of one kind or another –
for example, how the quantity of tomatoes purchased might change
with price or income. This task is usually accomplished
mathematically by the solution of a constrained optimization
problem.
• (4) Determine how the decision rules of various agents may be made
consistent with one another and thereby characterize the equilibrium
of the model. Effective analysis of complex interactions between
agents normally involves the use of mathematical methods, which
can sometimes be quite sophisticated.
18. •(5) Explore how the equilibrium of the model changes
in response to various external events. That is,
determine the predictions or implications of the model.
Again, this step can involve substantial use of
mathematics.
•(6) Examine whether the predictions determined in step
(5) above are consistent with actual experience.
•(7) Draw conclusions and any implications (for
government policy, for example) implied by (6).
19. STRENGHTS OF THE RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY
•The rational choice theory has largely emerged in
the political science subfield. It has been
commended as the prototype for a more deductive
approach to political analysis. Becker (1976) has
described the rational choice model as “a unified
framework for understanding all human
behaviour”. Other advantages of the rational
choice theory can be summarized as;
20. 1. Generality; This means that one set of
assumptions relating to each type of actor in a
given circumstance, is compatible with any set
of structural assumptions about the
environmental setting in which the actor is
present.
21. •Parsimony; The common knowledge of
rationality assumption, the assumption of
isomorphic and self-regarding utility function,
when combined with the rational optimization
model, allow rational choice theories to treat
variations in choices among actors and by an
actor over time as entirely a function of their
structural position. Preferences and beliefs are
simply perceived as the only relevant variables
for determining action.
22. •Predictive; Assumptions of the rational choice
model have been used to produce a wide
variety of decisive theories, whose predictions
about the measurable real world phenomena
rule out a much larger set of outcomes than
what is already generally accepted to be
unlikely. The decisiveness of rational choice
theories depends on structural as well as the
individual actor’s assumptions.
23. APPLICATION OF RATIONAL CHOICE
•The rational choice theory is a growing paradigm in political
science and can be applied to a range of areas in the
discipline, especially, voting behaviour, policy formulation
and implementation, rule formation, among others.
• Gaming: This is a mathematical means of viewing
competitions between small numbers of ‘players’. These
players have to compete in such a way that the result of such
competition would satisfy the interest of each member of the
team. In reaching this result, every member of the team is
assumed to be rational and would hence seek his/her own
interest first before that of the team to which he/she belongs.
24. •Party Politics: Competition among
political parties can be dismissed as
rational, based on the assumptions of the
rational choice model. Every political
party will always engage in activities that
will ultimately lead to the realisation of
their own interests maybe alongside
pursuing democratic or other purposes of
governance.
25. •Legislation: Most of the time, if not all of the
time, bills and policy suggestions made by
members of the legislative chamber are made
with the aim of achieving some form of
personal interests first, and maybe the interest
of the public could follow. Individuals, in the
first place, get appointed into legislatives
offices to fulfil some form of personal interests
as against the intention to serve the public.
26. •Public Good: Collective actions have been
described as activities that are pursued in the
interest of the public. However, arguments
have arose indicating that the only conditions
under which individuals will pursue public
interest are cohesion, small public and
increase in compensation, against these
conditions, individuals will ultimately pursue
their individual interests.
27. •Coalition Building: The place of rationality in
building coalitions cannot be overemphasized.
Coalitions are built for the purpose of gaining
more influence and power which may be
difficult for the individual organization to
develop on its own. Some instances of
coalitions in politics could include combining
votes in an elected body or combining
resources during a political or civic campaign.
28. RATIONAL CHOICE AND COLLECTIVE ACTION
•Individuals are perceived by the rational choice
approach as being rational, self-calculating, self
interested and self maximizing, hence, it is difficult
for individuals to participate in collective action or
work towards the good of the public unless the
public good would lead ultimately to their own
interests. Olson (1965) identified three different
types of groups within which an individual can
exist, namely;
29. •Privileged groups: These are groups in which members are
most likely to gain more from a public good than they
would have gained if they had to provide for such good by
themselves.
•Latent groups: Member of the latent group could free ride
(withhold his contribution to the public good), without
causing any observable reduction in the supply of such
good.
•Intermediate groups: (if any member of this group
withholds his contribution, it will cause a noticeable
decrease in supply of the good, or a noticeable rise in cost
to other contributors)
30. CRITICISMS
•Several critique and scholars have identified
certain shortfalls of the rational choice approach.
Aside, some of the disagreements that have been
associated with accepting the basic assumptions
of the approach, there are a number of other
weaknesses that have been attributed with the
rational choice theory. Some of these weaknesses
are:
31. •1. Problems associated with inadequate
information and uncertainty. This may make it
difficult for individuals to make rational decisions.
As a result, they may rely on other ways of making
decisions.
• 2. Human social action and interactions are
complex, and many of the theories examined
earlier may provide better guides to how these take
place.
32. •3. Theorists of rational choice argue that macro
level structures and institutions can be explained
from the models of individual social action. But
there are problems of aggregation of individual to
societal level phenomena. These same difficulties
exist in well developed economic models.
•4. Norms and habits may guide much action, and
once these take root people may not question them
but use them to pursue meaningful social action.
33. •5. One problem of RCT is that some theorists
argue that almost everything humans do is
rational, even philanthropy and self-sacrifice.
By expanding to include all forms of action as
rational, action that is non-rational or
irrational becomes part of the model. By
including every possible form of action in
rational choice, it is not clear how the
standards of what is rational and what is not
are constructed.