In 'Explaining Social Behavior,' Jon Elster delves into the intricate dynamics of social interactions, revealing how various theories illuminate our understanding of human behavior. Through a blend of philosophy, economics, and sociology, he challenges conventional wisdom and proposes innovative frameworks for analyzing social phenomena. Elster's exploration of rational choice and collective action raises poignant questions about motivation and moral responsibility. With thought-provoking examples and a rigorous approach, the book unveils the hidden mechanisms that shape society's structure. Prepare to rethink what you know about the reasons behind our social lives.
By Jon Elster
Published: 2015
"Understanding social behavior requires a blend of rational choice theory and an appreciation for the messy complexities of human motivation."
In this new edition of his critically acclaimed book, Jon Elster examines the nature of social behavior, proposing choice as the central concept of the social sciences. Extensively revised throughout, the book offers an overview of key explanatory mechanisms, drawing on many case studies and experiments to explore the nature of explanation in the social sciences; an analysis of the mental states - beliefs, desires, and emotions - that are precursors to action; a systematic comparison of rational-choice models of behavior with alternative accounts, and a review of mechanisms of social interaction ranging from strategic behavior to collective decision making. A wholly new chapter includes an exploration of classical moralists and Proust in charting mental mechanisms operating 'behind the back' of the agent, and a new conclusion points to the pitfalls and fallacies in current ways of doing social science, proposing guidelines for more modest and more robust procedures.
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“Understanding social behavior requires a blend of rational choice theory and an appreciation for the messy complexities of human motivation.”
Explaining Social Behavior
By Jon Elster
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Jon Elster is a renowned Norwegian philosopher and social scientist, best known for his contributions to political theory, rational choice theory, and social science. Elster has authored several notable works, including 'Solomon's Floor,' 'The Cement of Society,' and 'The Multiple Self.' His writing is characterized by a rigorous analytical approach, blending insights from philosophy, sociology, and economics to explore how individuals make decisions within social contexts.
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