Heuristics instead of political theory: A post-positivist critique of Rational Choice

Authors

  • Joscha Wullweber Universität Kassel

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15203/ozp.151.vol43iss3

Keywords:

Rational Choice, Postpositivism, Positivism, methodological Individualism, contaminated Universalism

Abstract

Proceeding from a post-positivist point of view, this article examines the logical consequences and immanent contradictions that follow from the theoretical premises of the rational choice approach for political analysis. It offers a critical evaluation of the basic assumptions upon which rational choice theory is based, especially its methodological individualism, universalism, and objectivism. In order to sharpen and more clearly illustrate the argument, it contrasts rational choice with post-positivist theories and concepts, such as historicity, contaminated universality, and social objectivity. Rational choice differs from many political theories in the absence of a theory of society and its strong analytical atomism. The aim of the article is to systematically scrutinize the differences between rational choice and post-positivist theories and to discuss opportunities and limits of the former for political analysis.

Author Biography

  • Joscha Wullweber, Universität Kassel
    Politikwissenschaft, akademischer Rat.

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Published

2014-09-01

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 3 (2014): Open Issue

Section

Research Article

License

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