Give me a reason. On power in Rational Choice Theory.

  • Jorge Andrés López Rivera Profesor Asistente, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali
Keywords: action, power, instrumental rationality, Rational Choice Theory
Agencies: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali

Abstract

This paper claims that a conception that understands practical reasoning in terms of a maximizing instrumental rationality, as done by the Rational Choice Theory (RCT), is insufficient for the analysis of social power. Under the premise that action and power are tightly related concepts and taking rationality as a key category for understanding power exercises, the concept of power offered by RCT is revised, in order to expose its limitations. The paper concludes proposing that identifying RCT conceptual limitations opens a pathway of research that links the philosophy of action with literature about power.

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Published
2022-07-05
How to Cite
López Rivera, J. A. (2022). Give me a reason. On power in Rational Choice Theory. Política Y Sociedad, 59(2), e70909. https://doi.org/10.5209/poso.70909