Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.7906/indecs.11.1.2

Reappraisal of Rational Choice Theory

Katalin Martinás ; Department of Atomic Physics, Eötvös Loránd University
Ágoston Reguly ; c/o Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Abstract

The value of rational choice theory (RCT) for the social sciences has long been contested. Much time has been spent by economists and critics on the pervasive but elusive concept of rationality. The critiques mainly challenge the basis of the utility theorem. Several articles on the misuse of mathematics in economics have already appeared in the literature. As N. Bouleau stated, “On several occasions, however, one feels that the criticism is that the math is being misused and should be developed in some other direction (e.g. a statistical analysis of the financial tendencies that polarize wealth and income, or a study of the positive feedback mechanisms, etc.). This leaves certain dissatisfaction – on a philosophical level.” The aim of this paper is to present a decision theory, yields intention (logos) and valuation (existence). Here we present a new mathematical representation of RCT, which leads to a dynamic economic theory. We discuss the philosophical or meta-economical problems, which are needed for the successful applications of mathematics.

Keywords

rational choice theory; dynamic economic theory

Hrčak ID:

96054

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/96054

Publication date:

31.1.2013.

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