Chris Kast
The paradox of social order:
Linking Sociology and Psychology Rational Choice and Rationality
Pierre Moessinger
Why Question: Why is rational choice ultimately a dead end in the pursuit of understanding
behavior?
Motivational Mechanism: Moessinger begins by criticizing the motivational mechanism
suggested by rational choice theory. Then introduces the psychological ideas inherent in
subjective rationality where agents act according to their own beliefs and “good reasons” (23)
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Popper's principle of rationality: Agents always act appropriately to the situation in which
they find themselves. (1)
Theory of Rational Choice
o To choose is at the center of social life
o There is no interaction between individuals' choices and preferences
o All choices are reduced to personal interest or to be more precise guided by the principle
of economic rationality or utility maximization.
Becker's economico-sociological man: The establishment of constraints on the traditional
rational actor. Considered a complete abstraction by ignoring passions, ideals, moral needs,
attachments, and concerns.(4)
Optimal versus Equitable (7)
o Pareto Optimality: Each division is optimal in the sense that no division would allow one
to gain something without the other losing something. Rests on the general value that it is
always better to have more for oneself.
o Equitable: What we would consider a fair division where each party receives an equal
share.
The unreality of Assumptions: The more significant the theory the more unrealistic the
assumptions. A hypothesis is important if it explains much by little (9).
Things are found to occur as if the hypothesis was correct. For the leaf it appears as if it is
maximizing its placement, but closer examination of the biology and chemistry reveal the
mechanisms actually involved and demonstrates that while our hypothesis is accurate it isn't
correct. (10)
Maximizing under Arbitrary Constraint: The introduction of further constraint requires the
postulating of even more abstract entities free to maximize.(12)
Dormitive principle:
o A protective postulate. Since one always chooses in regards to ones goals if someone
chooses something that would seem to be different from there goals it isn't an example of
irrationality but instead indicates you didn't understand their goals. (13)
Models: (17)
o Sociological Models: These rest on hypothesis that can be improved and modified after
they have been tested against reality.
o Economic Models: Simply to provide models as the foundation of a construction.
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Pareto Optimality:
Equitable Division:
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