Rational Choice

The (ir)relevance of geography for school choice: Evidence from a Swedish choice experiment

“…Rationality and human choice has become the foundation of rational choice theory (Buchanan, 2003;Hindmoor, 2006). Robbins (1937), for example, argued that human choice is a product of a rational position based on complete knowledge, self-interest, and the quest for satisfaction of preferences.…”

“…Over the years, rational choice theory has evolved (Hindmoor, 2006;Hogarth and Reder, 1986) but is still rooted in similar assumptions (Eriksson, 2011;Lichbach, 2003).…”

“…Taken together, these assumptions, commonly known as "the economic man," has become the dominant theory of human choice behavior and is widely held as providing the ultimate answer to human choice behavior (Eriksson, 2011;Hindmoor, 2006;Lichbach, 2003). Although these assumptions have long been criticized as quite unrealistic (see e.g., Bettman et al, 1998;Grether and Plott, 1979;Kahneman and Trevsky, 1979;Simon, 1955), this orthodox interpretation of rational choice theory appears to have become an axiomatic truth; omnipresent in the Swedish political debate and the foundation of the Swedish school reforms.…”

Local Political Decision-Making: A Case of Rationality or Appropriateness?

“…When applying RCI logic, Swedish politicians should only do as the party says when there is either a high benefit for following the party standpoint or a high cost for not following the party standpoint (cf. rational arguments in Hindmoor 2006). …”

“…North 1990;Hindmoor 2006). The perspective can thus be linked to the trustee principle and the understanding of the representative making accountable decisions in line with the personal opinion, rather than someone else's opinion.…”