Rational Choice Theory in Political Science
According to one of rational choice theory’s prominent and more thoughtful contemporary exponents, Peter C. Ordeshook, “four books mark the beginning of modern political theory: Anthony Downs’s An Economic Theory of Democracy (1957), Duncan Black’s Theory of Committees and Elections (1958), William H. Riker’s A Theory of Political Coalitions (1962), and James Buchanan and Gordon Tullock’s The Calculus of Consent (1962). These volumes, along with Kenneth Arrow’s Social Choice and Individual Values (1951), began such a wealth of research that political scientists today have difficulty digesting and synthesizing all but small parts of it. Consequently, the full value of this research often goes unrealized…” (Ordeshook 1986, ix)
In this essay I will argue that, contrary to Ordeshook’s claim, the “full value of this research” has actually been overstated; not for the lack of profundity in the assumptions and certain selected observations contained in the literature mentioned above, but for the failure of rational choice theory in explaining political phenomena empirically. This failure can be understood in terms of the fallacies associated with rational choice theory’s predictive and universalist aspirations, as well as in terms of the methodological misuse of the basic assumptions of rational choice theory when actually used in explanatory frameworks. As Donald Green and Ian Shapiro argue, the weaknesses of rational choice scholarship are rooted in the aspiration of rational choice theorists to come up with universal theories of politics, “which leads many rational choice theorists to pursue even more subtle forms of theory elaboration, with little attention to how these theories m...
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...tional Choice Controversy: Economic Models of Politics Reconsidered. New Haven: Yale University Press
Green, Donald P. and Ian Shapiro. 1994. Pathologies of Rational Choice Theory: A Critique of Applications in Political Science. New Haven: Yale University Press
Green, Donald P. and Ian Shapiro. 1996. “Pathologies Revisited: Reflections on Our Critics.” In The Rational Choice Controversy: Economic Models of Politics Reconsidered, ed. Jeffrey Friedman. New Haven: Yale University Press
Miller, Byron. 1992. “Collective Action and Rational Choice: Place, Community, and the Limits to Individual Self-Interest.” Economic Geography 68:1, 22-42
Ordeshook, Peter C. 1986. Game Theory and Political Theory. New York: Cambridge University Press
Shapiro, Ian. 1998. “Can the Rational Choice Framework Cope with Culture?” PS: Political Science and Politics 31:1, 40-42
The prognosis of this condition depends on the causing factor. Most often this condition is not life threatening. A healthier life style can help to decrease the symptoms of neuropathy. Seeing a podiatrist in the case of people with diabetic neuropathy to avoid a possible amputation. If amputation is needed additional support will be beneficial to the patient. The support of family and friends is critical in that case as the amputation is life changing for the
According to the text, Rational Choice Theory is comprised of two main thoughts, and they are, although people consider and are fully aware of the repercussion of the crimes they are about to commit, they proceed with the act, the second thought is that people will chose to commit a crime if they believe the benefit is greater. (Vito, 2007). In an article titled “Choosing White Color Crimes”, the rational choice theory has always been the acceptable method of interpreting and sustaining programs that help to combat crime (Shover, n.d.). Criminologists, Derek Cornish and Ronald Clark, clarify the two categories of the decision making process, the first one being criminal involvement, and the second one being criminal event.
Diabetic wounds result from uncontrolled blood sugar that causes nerve and circulatory damage (Kifer, 2012). Diabetic ulcers usually found at the bottom of the foot and take the shape of a circular. The assessment of the diabetic foot is very significant. It plays major roles in preventing foot ulcers by
Danziger, James N. Understanding the Political World: A Comparative Introduction to Political Science. New Jersey: Pearson, 2013. Print.
Maintenance of an appropriate healing environment is also essential throughout the management of diabetic foot ulcers. The choice of dressing is dependent on many factors including presence of infection, amount of exudate and the required frequency of wound bed inspection.
Making choices are based on different outcomes and scenarios that would affect people’s lives. Choices could be based on morals or personal views also. People in politics have to make choices every single day, trying to decide on difficult circumstances and daily problems not only based on their views but based on every citizen in the country. A current complication on decision making in politics is on the topic of abortion and the rights women have. There are many controversies on this sensitive topic with people opposing it and others for it. Either way, the way people decide upon their choice is based on their views and the outcomes from making the choice they make.
Diabetic Neuropathy is a group of neurological disorders caused by nerve damage resulting from the effects of type one and type two Diabetes. There are several types of neurological diseases, each affecting the individual differently. Each disorder presents with it's own symptoms, prognosis, and risks. It is important for the diabetic patient to receive adequate education from their physician on the basic signs and symptoms of neuropathy. Early identification and frequent check ups can impact the effects of neuropathy greatly.
Ostrom, Elinor. 2007. “Institutional Rational Choice: An Assessment of the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework.”
Diabetic neuropathy is common in individuals with long-standing diabetes. It affects the nerves and can cause damage throughout the body. Worsening of diabetic neuropathy is observed among individuals with
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic health issue faced by 347 million people around the world as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) (2013). It is predicted by the year 2030 over 366 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes (Stein, Eible, Sbruzzi, Lago, & Plentz, 2013). According to Stein et al (2013), 50% of DM cases will experience some type of neuropathy in their lifetime. "Chronic hyperglycemia is a major factor that induces nerve fiber injury" (Bulut, Ozcan, Cakan, Bektas, & Culha, 2010, p. 914). The pain caused by the damage is described as "burning, tingling, lancinating, formicating, aching, or tearing" (Wunderlich, Peters, Bosma, & Armstrong, 1998, p. 895).
This consists of damage to my heart and blood vessels, eye damage, and foot and skin damage (Mayo, 2014). Diabetes leads to heart disease because high blood sugars over a long period of time are very damaging to the body’s cells and nerves (Mayo, 2014). Another complication of diabetes is neuropathy, which is a sensation of tingling, numbness, and burning in the fingers and toes. This damage occurs because excess sugar in the walls of blood vessels can injure the vessels and cause them to break down (Mayo, 2014).
Rational choice theory, developed by Ronald Clarke and Derek Cornish in 1985, is a revival of Cesare Becca...
Shapiro, Ian, Rogers M. Smith, and Tarek E. Masoud, eds. Problems and Methods in the Study of Politics. Cambridge ; Cambridge University Press, 2004.
... advice to wear comfortable shoes, preferable leather, and not to walk barefoot. Maintaining proper weight and exercising regularly is essential. Early and correct detection of the type of diabetes is necessary to prevent severe health complications.
Problems with diabetic foot can be serious, not only it can lead to limb loss but can also be life threatening.